Skaters, scooter and BMX riders can now put their skills to the test on a new pump track in Anzac Park in Maryborough.
Fraser Coast Regional Councillor Jade Wellings said the new Maryborough pump track was now open and ready to be used, with work on a Hervey Bay pump track expected to start within months.
“A pump track is a circuit of rollers, banked turns and jumps designed to be ridden by generating momentum through up and down body movements instead of pedalling or pushing,” she said.
“Pump tracks are becoming popular recreational facilities across the country, attracting both locals and tourists, so it is exciting to see this new facility come to life in Maryborough.
“The track caters for beginners, intermediate and experienced users. The section for juniors and beginners provides a simpler, slower rider flow, whereas the more advanced sections have corners, jumps, berms and other challenging features.
“It’s also floodlit so it can be used at night, has CCTV, transition pathways to the pump track take-off ramp and a water bubbler.”
Cr Wellings said a pump track community celebration day was planned for 30 September.
“We will have more details in the coming weeks, but this promises to be a fun day for all the family with the Maryborough BMX Club to be involved along with representatives from the Holt Bolt, an NDIS registered provider that supports children of all abilities and needs,” she said.
Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said the Queensland Government had provided a $1.3 million grant to Council through the Works for Queensland program to design and build the pump tracks in Maryborough and Hervey Bay.
“The Works for Queensland program has been very successful at helping regional Councils deliver infrastructure that improves liveability and makes a big difference in local communities,” he said.
“Funding through Works for Queensland has helped revitalise Anzac Park through the development of this new pump track this year and the SplashSide water playground in 2021.
“The new pump track is a great investment for residents. It will encourage more people to be outside, stay healthy, and enjoy our great city.”
Cr Paul Truscott said Anzac Park had transformed into one of the Fraser Coast’s premier parks.
“Anzac Park has something for everyone, with plenty of open spaces and equipment for all ages,” he said.
“The park incorporates SplashSide – a water play area and all abilities playground – and a Changing Places facility to cater for the needs of individuals with disabilities or mobility issues.
“The pump track is in a prime location, between the existing tennis courts and skate park, and it is also close to toilets and car parking.
“Council is determined to create connected communities through our places, spaces and people and the new facilities in Anzac Park certainly help to encourage our residents to be healthy and active.
“We are grateful to the Queensland Government for providing funding to help improve Anzac Park. Without their support, we wouldn’t have been able to deliver these important projects for the community.”
A pump track in Hervey Bay will be built in the coming months in Fraser Coast Park, behind the current Hervey Bay Library and the University of the Sunshine Coast’s local campus.
A smaller pump track opened in Tiaro last year.
Please note the images on this page are just examples of pump tracks from different areas to provide an overview of what a pump track is.
The Maryborough pump track will be a medium sized asphalt track.
A pump track is a circuit of rollers, banked turns and jumps designed to be ridden by generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedalling or pushing.
Pump tracks can be made from dirt, wood, plywood, composite, concrete or asphalt. The Maryborough and Hervey Bay pump tracks will be made from asphalt.
Asphalt tracks are low maintenance and can withstand significant public use. They also can be designed in any formation allowing for a range of riding opportunities.
Originally designed for mountain bikes and BMX bikes, they are now used by skateboarders and scooter riders and are accessible for all abilities, including wheelchairs. There will be distinct sections to cater for beginners, intermediate and experienced users.
Council recognises that pump tracks are becoming popular recreation facilities across the country – with a recent feasibility study highlighting there was demand for pump tracks in the region.
The feasibility study identified several potential locations for both the Maryborough and Hervey Bay pump tracks. Council has undertaken further review of the sites with two sites identified as potential options for Maryborough. Council is now seeking feedback on the two potential sites – Anzac Park and Brendan Hansen Park. We want to hear from residents which location they prefer.
Council would like to see the Hervey Bay track built at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct in Nikenbah, subject to community consultation on a revised Sports Precinct Master Plan in early 2022.
The Maryborough and Hervey Bay pump track projects will be funded by Council and Round 4 of the Queensland State Government’s Works For Queensland funding.
Under the funding arrangement Council will design and deliver the two pump tracks over the next three years.
The Maryborough project will include three engagement phases, Phase 1 – Locations, Phase 2 – Design Development and Phase 3 – Review of Draft Design.
To facilitate the Phase 1 engagement Council will be conducting a variety of activities, including a survey, submissions and drop in sessions. The survey and submission process will run from Thursday 16 December 2021 to 11:55pm Sunday 16 January 2022.
Community members can also register through the survey to be involved in the Design Phase early next year.
Council will continue to engage with the community through Phase 2 and 3, as well as the construction stage. Residents are encouraged to register on the Engagement Hub page to stay up to date with the most current information.