The design of a new play park in Maryport has been revealed after more than 1,500 people voted in a public consultation.
A pirate-themed adventure play area will be built on the site of the ageing Shiver Me Timbers park on the town’s harbourside.
The public had the chance to vote on two themes - pirates or ocean wildlife - with 70% choosing the winning design. The consultation was carried out online, with voting forms also placed in key venues in Maryport; the town’s schools were visited too, with more than 130 children placing their votes.
This project is part of Cumberland Council’s £12 million regeneration of Maryport and its historic Harbourside and has been made possible by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund.
The tender to create the colourful new park has been won by play equipment specialists Kompan. The final design will incorporate a splash park, something which ranked highly in the last consultation in Maryport, along with slides, swings, a zipwire and more. The facilities will be designed to appeal to youngsters of all ages, including those who need accessible play equipment, and there will be seating for their parents and carers.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Councillor Mark Fryer, said:
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote - particularly Cumberland’s youngest residents who are, after all, the most important people in this consultation.
“The enthusiasm for this project has been brilliant. Alongside the planned new event space, the refurbishment of the former Wave centre, and the new café and bike and skate park on the prom, this is going to make Maryport’s waterfront a real destination for all the family.”
The final site plan is now being finalised and work is due to start and finish this summer.