Cumberland Council is launching public consultations to gather opinions on the types of new play equipment desired for play areas in Kells, Whitehaven, and Orgill, Egremont. The existing facilities at both sites have reached the end of their serviceable life and will be replaced with modern designs.
The new play areas will feature robust designs for long-term use, with a focus on incorporating inclusive equipment to cater for children of all abilities. Separately, the boundary wall and fencing at the Kells play area will be renewed as part of a different improvement programme.
The consultations will run from Monday 12 October 2026 until Thursday 5 November 2026. The council is urging residents to participate and share their ideas for the new facilities. Physical copies of the consultation documents will be available at local centres including Billy Bears Fun Centre, Sensory World Play Cumbria CIC, Haig Pit Bakehouse, Egremont Town Council offices, and Egremont Library.
To ensure the views of young people are considered, council officers will collaborate with local schools throughout the consultation period. Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council's Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, emphasised the importance of community input: "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."
Further details on how to participate in the consultations can be found online: Kells – https://consult.cumberland.gov.uk/kells-play-area-whitehaven and Orgill - https://consult.cumberland.gov.uk/orgill-play-area-egremont.
