MEMBERS of the public enjoyed demonstrations in Windermere as a £50,000 cycle track and £120,000 play area were declared officially open.

BMX rider Kyle Evans, who competed at the Rio Olympics in 2016, and slopestyle rider Morgan Doughty, of Windermere, impressed crowds by showing off their skills on the new pump track at Queen's Park on Saturday.

Evans, 28, retired from the sport in 2018 and now works for Clark & Kent Contractors, the company that designed the track.

“We are all very proud to have a project on the ground in the beautiful landscape of Windermere," said the former European champion and Olympian.

“The opening was a fantastic success and it was great to see around 50 people of all ages and abilities riding the pump track."

He said: "My best advice to anyone would be to get yourself a bike, a skateboard, whatever you feel most comfortable taking part on, get a helmet and just go and give it a go."

HONOUR: Molly Lawrence cut the ribbon to officially open the playground. Picture: David Rucker Photography

HONOUR: Molly Lawrence cut the ribbon to officially open the playground. Picture: David Rucker Photography

The refurbishment of the playground and the creation of the cycle track were made possible by four years of fundraising by South Lakeland District Council and community group Windermere Park For All.

Windermere district councillor Ben Berry, who cut the ribbon on the pump track and is chairman of Windermere Park For All, said: “When we set out on our mission over four years ago, we wanted to not only refurbish and refresh, but to bring new facilities and new enjoyment to our park.

“The official opening of our new playground and pump track is a massive milestone in our goal – our next step being to replace and rebuild our skate park into a modern facility fit for an entire generation.”

The cycle track has been designed to have universal appeal, with cyclists able to 'pump' their bikes along the circuit using up-and-down body movements rather than by pedalling.

It has been in use since September and the playground has been open to families since July. The ribbon on the playground was cut by schoolgirl Molly Lawrence, who designed Windermere Park For All's rainbow logo.

Donations for the projects were provided by various groups and organisations, including English Lakes Hotels Resorts and Venues, which gifted £20,000 for the pump track.