Works have started on a new multi-use games area that will create an all-weather pitch for people to enjoy a variety of sports and activities at Carleton Park, Penrith.
The eight-week improvement programme, which started on Monday 14 July, will see the installation of a fenced tarmac sports area, featuring a new anti-slip surface, basketball hoops, benches, goals, and perimeter fencing.
With a pitch size of approximately 25 by 15 metres, it will have line marking for football, basketball, hockey and handball.
To ensure safety during the works, the current basketball court will be securely fenced off and out of use. Contractors will be on site between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday. Weekend work may also take place, starting at a later time of 9am on a Sunday.
The playground will remain safely open and accessible for people to enjoy throughout the summer holidays.
This project has been led by the dedicated Carleton Park Recreation Committee, who have worked tirelessly to secure funding and drive the improvements. Working together with Westmorland and Furness Council and Penrith Town Council has been essential in successfully bringing the project to life.
Funding for the new development has been provided by Westmorland and Furness Council’s 0–19 Fund and the Community Fund, Penrith Town Council, Penrith Lottery, Cumbria Waste Management Environment Trust, Hadfield Trust.
Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet member for Planning, Culture and Community Wellbeing, Councillor Vicky Hughes said: “This project is a fantastic example of how community collaboration can bring real improvements to local spaces. Thanks to the dedication of the Carleton Park Recreation Group and its partners, we're now seeing plans become reality.
“The project has been shaped by the voices of local residents and will deliver exactly what they would like to see from this facility. By Autumn 2025, a new versatile area for sports and activities will be ready to open and people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.”
Penrith Town Councillor for Carleton Ward, Deb Holden is delighted that work has begun on the installation of the long awaited Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) in Carleton Park: “The MUGA can be used throughout the year and will provide a much-needed addition to the current playground facilities. These are primarily for younger children and the MUGA will encourage older children to join in ball games.
“We are grateful to all contributors, especially the Chair of the Carleton Park Recreation Group, Robert Walker MBE, who has worked tirelessly to bring this huge project together and thanks also go to Polly Straker at Westmorland and Furness Council for overseeing this part of the project. It has been great to be able to support the Group on their journey to finally achieve their goal. I look forward to seeing progress on the installation."