Local young people have helped to officially open our long-awaited Ocean Grove District Ride Centre at Kingston Park, savouring the opportunity to be the first to test out the brand new $3.5 million facility.
Led by Ocean Grove Bike Park Committee, Saturday's grand opening included demo rides by World Trail and Tailwhips BMX Coaching, bike checks from Hendry's, performances from local musicians and a Q&A session with a pro rider.
The district ride centre is a one-of-a-kind facility on Australia's east coast that's fully funded by the City, featuring:
- five jump lines catering to riders of all skill levels, featuring rollers, berms, tabletops, hip jumps and a wall ride
- asphalt pump track, designed to encourage rider progression and allowing for skate and scooter riders too
- central landscaped space for spectators, gatherings and rider rest
- start mound shelters, seating and bike rack.
World Trail constructed the tracks' detailed shapes from 14,200 tonnes of recycled crushed concrete, sourced from the decommissioned Alcoa site at Point Henry.
The concrete, which passed multiple safety tests for reuse, was diverted from landfill and its use saved ratepayer funds, supported the circular economy and invested in local businesses.
The top layer of Polypave is made of mostly dirt, is hard-wearing and bio-friendly, and is smooth and fast to ride on. Polypave will reduce maintenance for the City.
The facility has been extensively tested by the World Trail crew in controlled conditions.
Ocean Grove Bike Park Committee member Jo Mansell
It's hard to believe it has been six years this month since our committee first got together to lobby for a bike park.
It really has been a whole community effort, with local schools, businesses, families, kids and Council all playing a part in getting it to where it is today.
Seeing the excitement around the opening and the park already full of people has been pretty amazing and it's honestly exceeded anything we expected.
We're so excited to finally see it being used the way we always hoped it would be.
We'd just encourage everyone to look after it and treat it with respect, so it stays a great place for the whole community to enjoy for years to come.
Community members are reminded that powered bikes and scooters are banned from the facility as they pose serious safety risks to all riders and spectators. The jumps and surfaces are not designed to be used at such high speeds.
