Residents in Whitehaven and Egremont are being invited to have their say on plans to replace play equipment at two local play areas.
Cumberland Council is launching two public consultations to gather views on the types of new play equipment people would like to see installed at play areas in Kells, Whitehaven, and Orgill, Egremont.
The existing equipment at both sites has reached the end of its serviceable life and will be removed and replaced with new facilities designed to better meet the needs of local families and communities.
The replacement play areas will feature robust designs suitable for long-term use. Consideration will also be given to incorporating inclusive play equipment, wherever possible, to ensure children of all abilities can enjoy the facilities.
At Kells, work to renew the play area's boundary wall and fencing will be carried out separately as part of a different programme of improvement works.
Each consultation will open on Monday 12 October 2026 and run until Thursday 5 November 2026, giving residents the opportunity to help shape the future of both play areas. The council is encouraging as many people as possible to take part and share their ideas about the types of equipment and features they would like to see included.
Physical copies of the consultation documents will also be available at Billy Bears Fun Centre, Sensory World Play Cumbria CIC and Haig Pit Bakehouse for the Kells consultation, and at Egremont Town Council offices in the Market Hall and Egremont Library for the Orgill consultation.
To help ensure the views of young people are reflected in the plans, Cumberland Council officers will also be working with local schools during the consultation period.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council's Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
"Play areas are a vital part of our communities, providing children and young people with valuable opportunities to play, be active and spend time outdoors. As we look to replace the equipment at Kells and Orgill, it's important that local residents help us shape the new facilities. We want to create welcoming, high-quality spaces that meet the needs of local families and provide inclusive opportunities for children of all abilities to enjoy."
Details on how to take part in the consultation are available here:
Kells – https://consult.cumberland.gov.uk/kells-play-area-whitehaven
Orgill - https://consult.cumberland.gov.uk/orgill-play-area-egremont