New designs unveiled for harbourside play park

The nautical-themed playpark in Maryport is due to be completely upgraded

A town's residents are being asked to give their opinion on a new harbourside play park.

Cumberland Council is asking people to choose the design of a play area in Maryport to replace the decades-old Shiver Me Timbers.

The project is part of a £12m regeneration plan for the town, which involves improving its high street, harbour and promenade.

Both design options include a splash park, slides, swings and a zipwire, and would be suitable for a wide age range.

People can vote in person or online for their chosen design, with the options being a pirate or an ocean wildlife theme.

The play area has been at risk of closure several times over the years, with its ownership passing to different organisations.

One of the design options features an ocean wildlife theme

Council leader Mark Fryer said: “I am really looking forward to seeing the new play equipment and the splash park in place.

"I hope locals and visitors of all ages ‘get on board’ with this new maritime-themed project.”

People can have their say on the council's website or in person at Maryport Town Hall, Senhouse Street, during office hours.

They can also pick up a voting form from Maryport News, on Senhouse Street, or the Lake District Coast Aquarium on the harbourside.

Another design option features a pirate theme

Regeneration projects in Maryport include a new cafe and beach shop on the promenade on the site of a disused toilet block, a new bike and skate track, a harbourside events space and the revamp of the Wave centre, which will change its name to Maryport Activity Centre.

Senhouse Street in the centre of town has already been reconfigured as part of the scheme, and a boardwalk has been installed between the promenade and the harbour.