Penrith Pop-Up Pump Track

On Saturday 27^th September to Friday 3^rd October, an area of land close to Penrith Leisure Centre hosted a Pop-Up Pump Track, supported by Social Value Funding provided by City Building Engineering Services. Here are the key findings from Westmorlands and Furness Council.

• Even before the track was fully assembled, there was a large group of young people raring to go.
• The track itself was available for free, unsupervised use by all, throughout the whole week.
• The pump track was used extensively throughout the time it was in place, with examples being mentioned of 5 year olds getting up early before school to use the track at 7:30am, to older children and younger adults using the track in to the evening, using the nearby light of the flood lights.
• Due to the unsupervised nature of the track, exact usage figures aren’t possible, however its estimated from frequent inspections and social media engagements, that this track has been used by at least 300 young people, with the actual figure probably being higher.
• There have been reports of reduced anti-social behaviour around Sainsburys car park.
• Penrith Town Council utilised this pump track to assist a community survey on the prospects of a permanent track for this area, this was overwhelmingly positive, with over 200 responses gained.

Public Feedback

Members of the Public were asked if they would like to pass a comment to add to this report, these included;

“What caught my attention when I went was how all the kids were encouraging each other, kids were approaching it a bit nervous and the the ones already on were encouraging and supportive! Things like this encourages positive behaviour and a sense of feeling part of something, it’s promotes friendships and acceptance of different ages, abilities and levels of confidence! Amazing job Rich! Huge thankyou! Let’s hope something more permanent can be installed like in other areas!” Cassie Simpson, Resident

“Thank you! This has been a really valuable resource. Our 6yo has even been up and using the track at 7:30am before school!” Louise Mills, Resident

“Great Fun Kids have really enjoyed the pop up pump track. Fingers crossed we can get a permanent one for everyone” Hayley Anderson, Resident

“Great idea and superb cost effective flexible approach to youth provision!” Jill Bault, Resident

“This is exactly the kind of thing public money should be spent on!” PJ Mulheron-Summers

“Wish I knew about this sooner. Brilliant idea. My boys would of loved ago on this” Any Byers

“We have been a few times with younger children and I have to say how kind and polite some of the older boys have been, being patient and letting the younger kids have a turn!” Leanne Birkett, Resident

“I think it’s fantastic, my kids aged 3 and 5 are absolutely loving it. And the older children have been very kind and tolerant of my kids being slower then them, they know it’s there to share for all ages and abilities” Nicolle Leatherbarrow, Resident