PUMP track proponent Andrew Jones says support among the community is gaining momentum for the idea, which is one of a cluster of short-listed projects vying for State Government funding.
Mr Jones – who is a cycling enthusiast – said the concept would be similar to a skate park, but would be accessible to a wider age group.
He revealed the idea stemmed from the lack of low cost activities for younger children in Mount Gambier.
The proposal outlines building the pump track on vacant land alongside the bike trail near White Avenue, on the western fringe of Mount Gambier.
“My idea will build a pump track on the west end of the rail lands children of all ages and skills could use,” Mr Jones said.
Standing near the site yesterday, the project proponent described a pump track as a safer facility than a skate park.
“A pump track doesn’t have big jumps and can be used by skateboards, scooters and bikes – you can ride anything with wheels,” Mr Jones explained.
He envisioned the track would have a dirt base with hot-mix laid on top.
“It would be maintenance free and we would like to get it as big as we can,” Mr Jones said.
He revealed the idea was modelled on a pump track in Adelaide, which was 30 by 60 metres.
“But I would like it to be as big as what we can fit onto the land,” Mr Jones told The Border Watch.
He said the proposed site was nestled on unused land adjacent the BMX track.
“At the moment Mount Gambier City Council has been supportive of the idea, but they cannot commit to it at this stage due to planning regulations,” Mr Jones said.
He said he was seeking $155,000 through the government’s Fund My Neighbourhood initiative.
“This would well and truly cover the project,” the advocate revealed.
He said the project would also appease people who did not want to see skate parks developed in the centre of the city.
Mr Jones said the rail lands near the BMX facility was ideal given the bike trail offered a safe route for children to access the site.
“Mount Gambier really lacks low cost activities for children in general,” he said.
Mr Jones said the idea had already received strong support through social media, predominantly with families.
He said the idea was being supported by the Mount Gambier Mountain Bike Club, which had strong membership from families.
