You can pump up your riding jam at Cringila Hills Recreation Park thanks to the site's new pump track that was formally opened today by NSW Minister for Planning and Homes Hon. Anthony Roberts MP, Wollongong MP Paul Scully and Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM.
The asphalt track is suitable for bicycles, skateboards, scooters, roller skates and roller blades, and provides an opportunity to build skills and confidence. The approximately 225m-long looped track features rollers, doubles, dragon backs and berms that can be enjoyed by riders of all skill levels.
"I am really excited to see the pump track open and the enthusiastic riders out there using it,'' Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.
"I'm pleased that this added feature is now complete and ready for action. The pump track adds to the variety of cycling activities and fun at Cringila Hills. And, what's more, it's free!.
"This is a welcome addition to riding attractions at Cringila Hills and provides riders the chance to fine-tune their skills before they hit the bigger and more complex mountain biking trails. This really is a park that caters for a wide range of uses, skills and riders. It's somewhere where you'll see a youngster on a balance bike having just as much fun as an experienced rider.''
Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said work started on the pump track in November 2021 and it was a key component in the overall offering of the park.
"In planning Cringila Hills, we were very clear in wanting to be able to offer something to suit riders of a range of skills and interests,'' he said.
"Our purpose with this park has always been to cater to everyone whether that be in riding skills development, offering exciting mountain biking trails or simply a nice picnic spot for the family to gather.
"This latest opening is the next step in an exciting phase of works and I'm grateful to the support of the NSW Government whose funding has enabled us to fast-track this project and bring it online sooner.''
This project was jointly funded by both the NSW Resources for Regions (Round 7) and Public Spaces Legacy Program.
Cringila Hills Pump Track (unveiled by NSW Minister for Planning and Homes Hon. Anthony Roberts MP) receives the tick of approval from students at Cringila HIlls Public School and local riders.
"It's wonderful to see the plans for great outdoor spaces become reality and open up to locals and visitors alike. There's something for everyone here – whether you're on a cutting-edge mountain bike, prefer a lightweight scooter, or you're learning the ropes," Mr Roberts said.
"This is one of the first projects to be delivered from our $250 million Public Spaces Legacy Program and contributes to the Premier's Priority of increasing the proportion of homes in urban areas within 10 minutes' walk of quality green, open and public space by 10 per cent by 2023," Mr Roberts said.
"It's the biggest injection of funding for public spaces in a generation and allows us to work in partnership with councils to deliver more and better public spaces across NSW as populations and housing requirements grow."
The new pump track will be joined shortly by a bike skills park, which remains under construction at this time. It's anticipated the skills park will open by the end of July subject to weather.
Both new riding opportunities are likely to get a good work out on the family fun day planned for 3 September as part of the lead-up events to the UCI Road World Championships between 18-25 September.
The Spin-Fest event will run from 10am-2pm and feature pro mountain bike riders Josh Carlson and Samara Shepherd in action, skills workshops from Ride Nation and the chance to cheer on the participants in Tour Da Country as they arrive at Cringila Hills after cycling from Helensburgh.
See more about Spin Fest.
In good news for riders, unlike the dirt mountain bike tracks, the asphalt track will remain open in wet conditions.
"We've had some really challenging weather of late and I know that has frustrated many in our community who are keen to get out and enjoy being outside and getting their exercise,'' Cr Bradbery said.
"It's unfortunate we have to close these trails during times of heavy rain but it is for the best – otherwise we risk damage to the trails as the mud is churned up and the surfaces can be unsafe.
"We just ask those who are using the pump track in wet conditions to take additional precautions as the track may be slippery when it's wet.''
