Residents of all ages will soon be able to experience the power of gravity at its best as they propel their way around the West Kempsey BMX Pump Track, due to start construction in mid-July.
The purpose-built track will be constructed at Mountainview Reserve and be tailored to suit riders at varying levels of experience, with a beginners section for younger riders to practice their skills before entering the main part of the track.
Pump tracks are unique in the way that riders do not need to continually pedal or push, building up speed from using up and down movements called 'pumping' to generate momentum as they navigate rolling mounds and banked turns.
Kempsey Shire Council Community Projects Officer, Aisha Spokes, said the community identified a need for safe and affordable local recreational activities for younger community members and following a community meeting in 2019, the idea for BMX Pump Track was developed.
"The pump track will be the first of its kind in the Macleay and is going to be a great community asset, allowing residents to use their bikes, scooters, skateboards and roller blades on the track all the while having a great time in a safe, free and fun place."
West Kempsey was identified as an area in need of affordable activities for young people and Mountainview Reserve has proved to be the ideal site for this project.
"Council have received grant money that is specifically targeted at improving the facilities in West Kempsey. That funding was critical in launching this project and creating a position to seek further contributions. Council thanks our generous community and business sponsors for helping make the track a reality by contributing more than $30,000 in additional funding and in-kind contributions," said Mrs Spokes.
"That said, the Pump Track Committee is still seeking financial support from businesses, corporate partners and organisations to help with seating and storage facilities around the track to create the best community facility possible."
"As part of the engagement for this project we have heard the communities desire for facilities like this in other locations and hope to create a model for future community-based projects."
