NEW PUMP TRACK AT CROWN PARK A COMMUNITY EFFORT
MANY HANDS HAVE made light work of the new cycle pump track at Crown Park.
The track has been funded by a generous Taupō family who wanted to help promote cycle skills in partnership with Kids Bike Taupō and their community ambassador Cath Oldfield. Taupō District Council project manager Izelda Cruz said it was part of a wider project to upgrade cycling assets in the area.
“This has been a real community effort with many locals helping out. Unison Energy played a big part at the beginning by waiving charges for an electrical connection, and local company Matanga Projects also pitched in offering their services to be a part of this opportunity. The pump track is just the first piece of the puzzle and we have some really exciting developments in the pipeline for this area – and more sponsors coming forward to be a part of this.
“With so many schools in this area the new pump track is going to be very popular. We will also upgrade the adjacent cycle course to help promote cycling skills and road safety. Cycling is close to the hearts of many people in Taupō and it has been great to see so many from the community pitch in to help on this project and make it a reality in a really short space of time. Thanks also have to go to the very generous local family for donating the funding that made it possible.”
Ms Oldfield said the local family wanted to help get more people on bikes, whether they were young or just young at heart.
“They were keen to help Kids Bike Taupō and the outcome is going to be a really beautiful community asset. This is something that will be enjoyed by many for years to come and help to bring people together in our community.
“The Kids Bike Taupō programme is helping kids to ride from a very young age so we need these places for our tamariki to practise their skills. When they are ready they will do the Road Safety Team’s Pedal Safe course and then ride on the road. This pump track will be fun for all ages riding bikes, skateboards, skates and scooters.”