Fairhill improvements mark latest step in £90,000 play area investment programme

Penrith Town Council has completed improvement works at Fairhill Play Area, helping to keep it safe, well maintained and enjoyable for children and families over the Summer months and beyond.

The works included the installation of new wetpour safety surfacing beneath the toddler log swing and the replacement of the former spring cockerel with a new spinner bowl play unit. The spinner bowl has been designed to support inclusive play, with a deep, supportive seat and the ability to be turned by body movement or pushed by another child or carer, including from a wheelchair position. The improvements respond directly to issues identified through the Council’s regular inspection programme while also helping to broaden the range of play experiences available at Fairhill.

The Fairhill project forms part of Penrith Town Council’s £90,000 Play Area Development Reserve, which is investing £15,000 in each of Penrith’s six wards to improve opportunities for children and young people across the town.

The remaining Penrith North allocation has been invested in improvements at Milton Street Play Area.

Councillor Charlie Shepherd, Chair of Penrith Town Council’s Finance Committee said:

“Play areas matter because they give children safe, familiar places to be active, make friends and enjoy being outdoors. The improvements at Fairhill are practical but important. They address issues identified through regular inspections, while the new spinner bowl also helps make the space more inclusive and enjoyable for children with a range of abilities.”

“This is also part of a wider commitment to improving play provision across Penrith North. With the rest of the ward allocation being invested at Milton Street, residents will see further work starting in the coming weeks.

The Council will continue to work with Westmorland & Furness Council and local communities to identify and deliver further improvements through its Play Area Development Reserve, which has already supported projects in Pategill, Carleton and Castletown, with further schemes progressing elsewhere in the town.