Cumberland Council is reminding residents that refurbishments to the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and Play Park at Hammond’s Pond, which are now complete and ready to enjoy.
The upgraded community spaces offer a fresh, fun, and safe environment for children and families to stay active, play, and spend time outdoors.
To mark the occasion, an official opening event will take place on Friday 8 August from 11am to 12pm. Guests will be able to explore the new facilities and mark the occasion with the community.
The refurbishment of the multi-use games area (MUGA) and children’s play park was a necessary investment, addressing wear and deterioration that had developed over the past 20 years, particularly to the fencing and surfacing. The new fencing improves both safety and performance, offering enhanced ball rebound for football and rubber buffers to reduce noise from impacts. The upgraded surface provides better grip to minimise slips and falls, and the addition of a cricket wicket introduces a new sporting opportunity.
Complementing these improvements, the children’s play park has also been fully resurfaced. The former bark surface has been replaced with a durable, rubber wet-pour material that enhances safety, supports wheelchair access, and is easier to maintain. The new surfacing also integrates seamlessly with surrounding paths and green space, ensuring a safer, more inclusive, and accessible environment for all park users.
These improvements were funded through the Carlisle Town Deal and form part of the Start with the Park, an initiative focused on enhancing the quality, safety, and accessibility of green spaces across Carlisle. The programme is a key element of Cumberland Council’s £100 million regeneration plan for the city, supported by UK Government investment via the Future High Streets Fund, Town Deal, and Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.