Work begins on Tuesday 27 August on a new pirate-themed adventure play area and splashpark in Maryport.
This exciting attraction will be on the site of Shiver Me Timbers, down on the town’s harbourside. This popular wooden playpark has served residents and visitors well, but after 25 years of use it is showing its age and becoming beyond repair.
Cumberland Council, which is installing the colourful new equipment, consulted the public on the design and more than 1,500 responded. Seventy per cent of those who took part chose the pirate theme.
An earlier consultation asked residents what Maryport was lacking and many of the respondents said more activities were needed for children of all ages and that a splashpark would be a hugely popular addition.
Play equipment specialists Kompan won the tender to build the new facilities and they have created this nautically inspired design which will feature slides, swings, a zipwire and more. They should appeal to youngsters of all ages, including those who need accessible play equipment, and there will be seating for their parents and carers.
This project is part of Cumberland Council’s £12 million regeneration of Maryport and its historic harbourside, using funding provided by central government. Maryport Town Council will be managing the play area once work is completed, while the team at the neighbouring Lake District Coast Aquarium have supported Cumberland Council in developing the scheme.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Councillor Mark Fryer said:
“This is going to look brilliant and will bring yet another attraction to Maryport’s lovely harbourside. Once the neighbouring new event space is completed, the former Wave centre is refurbished, and the new café and bike and skate park are built on the Prom, Maryport’s waterfront will be an even more fantastic destination.”