Council approves new pump track
Canary Cycles contributes $100,000 for facility
Residents of St. John’s, get ready to roll by the lake.
At city council’s regular weekly meeting Monday, councillors voted unanimously to approve a proposal from the Avalon Mountain Bike Association (AMBA) to construct a pump track on the grounds of Quidi Vidi Park.
“I’m really excited to bring this forward,” Coun. Ian Froude said in introducing the motion. “It will be a fantastic amenity for a wide range of users.”
The pump track — a continuous looped course sequence of rollers and swooped, soft turns — will be used by cyclists of all ages and skill levels, as well as roller skaters and skateboarders, and those on scooters and in wheelchairs.
Council committed $60,000 to the largely communityled initiative, which will cost between $150,000 and $175,000 to construct. The track will be funded through community contributions and a significant sponsorship and contribution of $100,000 from Canary Cycles. The AMBA plans to fundraise for the remainder of the money needed.
Froude said the city’s money will come from the parks reserves fund, which will help with construction and maintenance in the longterm.
“We’re happy to see the community come together to propose and support recreation in our city,” said Froude, noting the track will also be near the bike trails at East White Hills.
The park will be located on The Boulevard, in a field next to the dog park. Froude said the Royal St. John’s Regatta committee has also given its OK to the location.
Korab said it’s good that the field where it will be located is not interfering with any other user groups.
“This is a great example of a local association (and) a local company coming forward and the city putting up some money on our end. So, it’s fantastic,” Korab said.
“I’m looking forward to jumping on that myself with a baby seat on the back.”
While the design has not yet been confirmed, the AMBA is proposing the track have an asphalt surface.
“Pump tracks are an economically friendly, sustainable option for a community looking to increase its recreational infrastructure,” the AMBA’S proposal states.
It notes that a pump track will also provide an excellent training ground for cycling skill development, which is an important consideration with St. John’s set to host the 2025 Canada Games, which includes mountain biking.
Such a venue can host competitions and events, and can also boost tourism.
Coun. Maggie Burton said it’s a great use of the city’s recreation and parks master plan money.
“It really does benefit anyone in the city who wants to use this. They’ll be able to go,” she said. “The more projects like this we can partner on with people in the community, the better.”
Coun. Sandy Hickman said he had never heard of a pump track, but he’s anxious to try it out.
“It’s unique. I actually never heard of this kind of facility before. So, it’s great that we can offer such a diverse opportunity for users in the area of the city,” he said.
“There are so many facilities (in the city). This just adds to the variety and I must say, it’s exciting.
“And I, too, will be down there, at some point.”
Mayor Danny Breen jokingly replied, “The cameras will be ready for that.”
Once construction tenders are awarded, design work is finalized and the necessary permits are submitted, construction could begin this fall or next spring.