MOUNT Gambier will become an international hotspot for pump track events amid news a $150,000 track will be constructed at Hastings Cunningham Reserve.
The project is expected to create a major buzz among the city’s youth who have been pushing out for a facility for some years.
Swiss-based company Velosolutions will work with Mount Gambier City Council to deliver the project, which includes the rights to host at least two Red Bull Pump Track World Championship qualifying meetings.
It is hoped the new track will accelerate the city’s reputation as a cycling destination and generate significant economic and tourism spin-offs.
Mount Gambier Mountain Bike Club president Andrew Jones and club member Nick Brooks – who lobbied council for the project – said the track would provide a “point of difference” for the city.
“Mount Gambier is not on the map for this type of activity, but it soon will be,” Mr Jones said.
“There are only a handful of the Red Bull Pump Track World Championship qualifying meetings and events internationally, so it’s a real win for our community.”
Meanwhile, Mr Brooks said a pump track would be a great asset to the community given it had broad reach.
“Essentially, you can use anything with wheels on a pump track and is suitable for all ages including young kids on scooters, older teenagers on BMX bikes and it is something parents can participate in too,” Mr Brooks said.
“In a time that obesity is at the forefront, this is a gateway for people to get involved in a fun activity. A pump track bridges the gap between a skate park and a BMX track and enables easy access for people to get involved.”
The project delivers on council’s aim to improve the health and wellbeing of the community through the provision of activity based recreational infrastructure.
Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said she was thrilled the project would get under way this year.
She said the track would be designed to encourage community spirit, learning and promote an active outdoor lifestyle for residents.
Councillor Ben Hood said Velosolutions was a global leader in pump track and trail building and had constructed more than 45 pump tracks all over the world.
“The durable all-weather facility will be accessible for first time riders and kids while still providing a challenge for more experienced riders,” Mr Hood said.
It will be built on the edge of the Hastings Cunningham Reserve and means families and young people will be able to access the pump track on their bikes and scooters via the rail trail corridor.
“It is a great opportunity for the city, as Velosolutions are the exclusive designer and builders of pump tracks that form part of the Red Bull Pump Track World Championship,” the elected member said.
“The Mount Gambier pump track will be promoted on the global platform pumptrack.com – this will be the first championship course in Australia, which could provide major tourism and economic benefits to the city.”
As part of the construction process, three international pump track experts and two experienced Australian trail builders will be on site to supervise the construction of the track and develop the raw shape including the fill, gravel and asphalt paving.
The track will be constructed during the fourth quarter of this year.
