Cumberland Council has reached a major milestone in the Start with the Park project, as community partners came together to plant 200 new trees at Hammond’s Pond in late February.
Thanks to the fantastic support of Upperby Primary School, Newman School, Friends of Hammond’s Pond, The Model Engineers, Riverside, Police Community Support Officers, Eden Valley Hospice, The Rock Youth Project and Stomping Ground, the total number of newly planted trees has now reached 300.
These new trees help create a greener, healthier and more welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy, showing the power of partnership and community involvement in transforming local spaces.
The Start with the Park project forms part of Cumberland Council’s £100 million regeneration programme for Carlisle, supported by UK Government funding through the Future High Streets Fund, Town Deal and Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal initiative. This multi‑million‑pound investment is focused on transforming the city centre by improving infrastructure, boosting economic growth, and creating a more attractive, accessible environment for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
The celebrations continue with the official opening of the new skatepark at Hammond’s Pond, delivered as part of the Start with the Park project. The event will take place on Thursday 9 April, from 12–4pm, and residents are welcome to drop in at any time throughout the afternoon.
The opening event will be packed with fun, including:
- Exciting prizes to be won
- Competitions running throughout the day
- Opportunities to show off your best skating, BMX and scooter tricks
Whether someone is new to skating or already confident on wheels, everyone is welcome to take part and enjoy the celebrations. The skatepark will officially open to the public at the end of March, giving residents plenty of time to perfect their skills ahead of the big day.
Visitors can also enjoy a ride on The Railway at Hammond’s Pond, which will be open throughout the event.
Cumberland Councillor Anne Quilter, Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
“It’s inspiring to see so many local organisations and volunteers coming together to improve Hammond’s Pond. The tree planting and the completion of the new skatepark are fantastic milestones for our community, bringing new life, energy and opportunities for residents of all ages.
“The skatepark will officially open at our celebration event on Thursday 9 April, but with access available from the end of March, skaters will have plenty of time to build their confidence and practise their skills ahead of the big day.
“Start with the Park is all about creating welcoming, inclusive spaces that support wellbeing, nature and community pride, and it’s wonderful to see those ambitions becoming a reality here at Hammond’s Pond.”
David Wright, Chair of the Carlisle Town Deal Board, added:
“Start with the Park puts people, green space and wellbeing at the heart of Carlisle’s future. Seeing the new skatepark taking shape and celebrating the tree‑planting milestone means so much to the community, especially the young people who will benefit from these new facilities for years to come.
“These achievements highlight the strength of partnership between the community, the Town Deal Board and Cumberland Council. We are incredibly proud to support a project that delivers long‑lasting benefits for residents and visitors alike.”