Caption: The St Arnaud community is invited to attend an opening celebration for the modular pump track on June 22. The pump track is completed and available to use.
St Arnaud and district families are invited to celebrate the opening of a new mobile pump track on Monday, June 22.
The opening was originally scheduled for Monday, June 15 but has been rescheduled due to the wet weather forecast.
The pump track, at Lord Nelson Park, is now open for the community to use after Northern Grampians Shire Council staff completed the finishing touches this week.
The opening celebration will start at 3.30pm and include an afternoon of activities, prizes and food for the community to enjoy.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own bikes, scooters, skates or skateboards.
Council secured a VicHealth grant to buy the asset.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said consultation with the shire's primary schools identified a pump track as the top selection from a list of equipment and activity options.
"The VicHealth grant was aimed at creating opportunities for 'middle years' youth to be active, as we often see a decline in physical activity levels between the ages of eight and 14," she said.
"The modular design means the track can take on different layouts to suit different spaces. It will remain in St Arnaud for nine to 12 months before being moved to Stawell.
"Council is also considering moving the track to smaller towns in the shire as well, to give more people an opportunity to use it, before determining a permanent home."
Cr Hyslop said she understood the St Arnaud community - particularly St Arnaud Mountain Bike Club - had been campaigning for a purpose-built bike track for many years.
"We understand they are seeking a track for older youth and adults, however, as I mentioned, the grant we successfully applied for was aimed at active opportunities for middle years youth," she said.
"While we do not have an adult bike track funded in the next Council Budget, the Council Plan 2025-29 features an action to complete scope and feasibility work for pump tracks across the shire. This is likely to be done in year four of the Council Plan.
"For now, we are excited to open the pump track at Lord Nelson Park and look forward to seeing it used to its full potential."
