Installed as part of a new Carlisle City play trail around Bitts Park, a brightly coloured climbing frame has arrived.
The coloured structure can be seen from the Sheepmount side of the park and no doubt to some, will not be in keeping with the surroundings.
Being inquisitive, we headed straight from the car across the slightly muddy playing field for a really good look.
Assorted foot and hand grips are installed on the many faces of the play activity made by a company called Kompan. These points of leverage allow almost anyone to climb over and around the structure.
Komplan’s website suggests that the structure, called a Bloqx 3, is best for children between 8 and 15 years old.
Sadly many visitors to the nearby childrens’ play area will not know that this activity is here, as it is outside of the secure fenced area and a bit out of the way.
According to the planning submission, this is one of a number of new activities to be installed alongside a new tarmac path between the skateboard park and the town.
Work is expected to start on this new path, running alongside Dacre Road, at the end of February. Being so close to the Castle, mum wonders if it may require an archaeological dig or survey.
Carlisle tennis bubble
It would appear that the Carlisle tennis project has run into more problems.
As we passed by the site today, at the edge of Bitts Park and Victoria Park, we noticed that the high metal fence surrounding the courts looks to have fallen over.
You may remember that this project has had all sorts of problems over the last few years, including vandalism to the plastic airdome and continuing costs.
The plastic inflatable bubble which covers the tennis courts during the winter months has had many repairs done to it and seems to need constant care. It is currently not installed.
Damage this time appears to involve a large length of fencing now laid to the ground in the middle, but still connected at either end.
We do not know how this damage has occurred or how much more money it will cost to repair, but questions need to be asked if the whole tennis airdome project is now a worthwhile folly.
Carlisle park floods
Recent wet weather has left a mark on Victoria Park nearby, but allows for some great photographs.
Assorted trees and buildings are reflected in the calm flood water whilst, all around, small clumps of spring flowers start to poke through the damp soil.
To our left the River Eden is still quite high and has left quite a bit of debris in the bushes and around benches which, during the summer, provide a seat overlooking the gentle flowing river.
More work being done
Workmen are busy digging up the entrance and paths adjacent to the Victoria Park car park.
High safety barriers have been erected here and around four large trees nearby. This work could be related to the installation of the new path but we are not sure.
Do you know what is going on? Please let us know via the comments section below.
Until next time
Buster and Charlie