Jericho Park in Whitehaven has been brought back to life thanks to the dedication of local residents, the Friends of Jericho Park, with support from Cumberland Council.
Together, they have transformed Jericho Park into a vibrant, inclusive space for children and families to play, explore, and connect with the outdoors.
In May 2024, Cumberland Council published a play area strategy for the former Copeland Borough Council area, identifying Jericho Park as one of the priority sites for refurbishment. Years of underinvestment has left the park with outdated and unsafe equipment, much of which had to be removed. The remaining items were repaired, but a full upgrade was needed.
Thanks to funding from Cumberland Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the council began work to revitalise the park. The council partnered with Friends of Jericho Park (FoJP), a local charity formed in 2023, following a community meeting that voiced concerns about the park’s condition.
In May 2025, the first phase of the project saw the installation of a brand-new £100,000 play area. Opened just after Easter, the new facilities have quickly become a firm favourite within the community. Featuring state-of-the-art play equipment, the park offers an inclusive and engaging outdoor space for children and young people.
Cumberland Council worked closely with the Friends of Jericho Park to ensure the design reflects the needs and aspirations of local residents.
Helen George, Treasurer of Friends of Jericho Park, shared her excitement:
“The new play area opened just after Easter and has been incredibly popular. The funding covered one side of the park, but some equipment dating back to the 1970s remained. We wanted to raise additional funds to replace that too.”
In September 2025, FoJP secured an additional £66,000 in funding from the FCC Community Foundation and Copeland Community Foundation to support phase two of the project. This next phase will replace the remaining outdated equipment and add new features to enhance accessibility and enjoyment for all.
Additional support from Albatros Travel, Sellafield Site Project Office Safe Delivery Scheme, and Whitehaven Town Council will fund new seating, a new park sign designed by pupils from Jericho Primary School, and treats for local children at a community celebration event planned for next year.
Caroline Hindmarch, Chair of the Friends of Jericho Park, said:
“What felt like a long journey is finally nearing completion, and the community now has a fantastic asset.”
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, added:
“It’s inspiring to see how the community has come together to give Jericho Park a new lease of life. Working closely with Friends of Jericho ensures that the community can help shape the new play park to meet the needs of local residents and will benefit families for years to come.”
The success of Jericho Park’s transformation is thanks to the tireless efforts of the Friends of Jericho Park. The charity has emphasised the importance of outdoor spaces for children’s health and development, noting that Jericho now offers a much-improved environment for engaging in play and exploration.