Pump Track
Background
Skating, scooting and bike riding are a rite of passage for many young people. As well as being a great form of exercise in the outdoors, these activities are a chance for young people to socialise and connect with others.
Council’s Mountain Bike Strategy and Bicycle Strategy have both identified the importance of recreational cycling opportunities and dedicated local facilities.
In 2021, the City of Victor Harbor conducted community consultation to gauge interest in a junior skate facility and initiate planning for possible upgrades or future tracks. During consultation, it was clear that the community wanted more skate facilities for beginners and juniors.
Feedback from students at the Victor Harbor R-7 School, plus responses from the wider community, revealed that the Victor Harbor BMX Track (adjacent Victor Harbor Oval) was the preferred site for a facility upgrade. This track, while heavily utilised, has ageing infrastructure and lacks tracks that are appropriate for junior skaters.
Read the Community Engagement Report.
The Pump Track Project
Council has committed to constructing Victor Harbor’s first ever Pump Track at the existing site of the Victor Harbor BMX Track (adjacent Victor Harbor Oval).
Ageing tracks and infrastructure will be removed in order to install the new junior-friendly facility.
The new Pump Track will feature an all-weather asphalt surface with berms, start mounding, roller bumps and turns, creating a dynamic surface for riding.
The City of Victor Harbor has appointed TrailScapes as the contractor to construct the Pump Track.
Timeline
Work commenced on the Pump Track in late February 2024. It’s expected that construction will be completed in June 2024, subject to any unexpected delays.
As part of the project, the following upgrades will take place:
- Removal of existing infrastructure, and general preparation of site (anticipated late February - March 2024)
- Shaping and outlining the Pump Track (anticipated March – April 2024)
- Construction of asphalt Pump Track surface (anticipated April 2024)
- Turf installation and landscaping (anticipated May 2024)
Access
To ensure safety, the Pump Track area will not be accessible to the public while work is underway. Bike riders and skaters can still get their fix at the Youth Skate Park (Flinders Parade, Victor Harbor) or one of many local bikeways.
The Victor Harbor Oval and nearby Inman River Walking Trail will still be accessible as per usual, however visitors should be mindful of construction activities and adhere to any directional signage.
Budget
Council has allocated $179,200 in the 2023/24 Annual Business Plan and Budget for this project.
The project is being supported by $49,500 funding from the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing.