Introduction:
- There has been much emphasis on outside pursuits for mental
health and wellbeing, especially following the pandemic. This agenda
item request is for the consideration of a pump track facility in the
borough, providing a quality leisure facility to groups that have been especially
hard hit during the pandemic.
- This paper will consider the potential for developing a
pump track facility similar to the facility which was created in
Gillingham in 2018. The paper would consider the costs associated with
the scheme (it is understood from officers that the paved facility in
Gillingham cost circa £170,000, although another option could be a lower
cost dirt track), the benefits especially to the core target age group
of early teens to twenty somethings.
- The siting of the track would need careful consideration. Creating
a facility near the route of the “Park and Cycle” scheme under
consideration at SPI (with free parking and a designated route within
the park from the Willington Street “Park and Ride” site to the cycle
lane at Mote Avenue) could allow that facility to further develop into a
leisure “Park and Play” opportunity. There may also be potential to
increase footfall to other facilities at the park.
- Security and/or supervision would be a consideration. While
the availability of such a facility could have a positive effect on
antisocial behaviour by providing an active outlet to the target age
groups, it would be important to protect the facility from vandalism or
modification and also to ensure it does not encourage antisocial
motorcycling at the facility. Safety would also be a consideration out
of hours.
- As there is growing interest in developing a local pump
track, the views of local youth groups and borough residents should be
sought and considered.
- The paper should consider the potential to secure funding from
grant sources and other means.
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