A temporary pop-up pump track proved a huge success with hundreds of Penrith residents who took part in a week of outdoor fun.
Westmorland and Furness Council and the Eden Focus Hub brought the exhilarating cycling, skating and scooting activity to a location near Penrith Leisure Centre from Saturday 27 September to Friday 3 October.
Even before the final ramps were fixed in place, young people were gathering ready to try it out. The enthusiasm grew throughout the week, with the track constantly in use by an estimated 300 riders.
Children as young as six were spotted cycling on the track before school, while teenagers and adults made the most of the space into the evenings under nearby floodlights.
The track attracted overwhelmingly positive feedback from the local community. Local resident, Louise, said: “Our six-year-old has even been up and using the track at 7:30am before school! Thank you – this has been a really valuable resource.”
Older children and teenagers were seen encouraging and helping younger riders, creating a real sense of community and teamwork across all ages.
Cassie added: “What caught my attention was how all the kids were encouraging each other. Kids were approaching it a bit nervous and the ones already on were encouraging and supportive! It promotes friendships and acceptance of different ages, abilities and levels of confidence. Amazing job!”
The success of the pump track showed how a simple idea, delivered in partnership with local organisations, can bring people together and make a lasting positive impact.
Councillor Lorna Baker, Chair of the Eden Locality Board, said: “It’s been wonderful to see how the pop-up pump track has brought people together. The event was filled with kindness, teamwork and the sense of belonging that we want to see in our communities.
“This project shows how providing accessible, active spaces can strengthen community connections, promote wellbeing, and give people of all ages something positive to share and be proud of.”
This project was made possible thanks to a social value requirement of Westmorland and Furness Council’s major capital projects, which sees contractors committing to invest locally to bring benefits to residents. This event was funded by City Building Engineering Services, as part of their work at Penrith Leisure Centre carrying out roofing repairs and installation of solar PV to reduce operating costs and create green energy.
The initiative was valuable for local engagement too. Teams from Westmorland and Furness Council and the Penrith Town Council were on site throughout the week, using the opportunity to gather residents’ views on the future of a potential permanent pump track. More than 200 responses were received to the Town Council’s survey, showing strong support for a permanent facility.
Richard Scoffham, Community Development Officer for Eden, who helped organise the project said the positive response has been unlike anything he’s seen in his 15 years in public service. “The track has brought the community together, given young people a space they can take pride in, and shown the potential for a permanent facility in the area.”
The Penrith Town Hall Project Team also visited the pump-track on its first day, gathering residents’ views about the future of the venue as part of a Community Conversation which concluded on Friday 10 October 2025.
A DJ workshop formed part of the engagement activity, encouraging people of all ages to get involved, share feedback and help shape how the Grade II listed building in the heart of Penrith could be transformed into a thriving creative and community space.