Burnie City Council, Tasmania, has begun work on its new $480,000 playground for wheels.
The View Road Reserve is being transformed into a new recreational cycling facility consisting of a pump track, cycle path, mountain bike decent trails and dirt jumps.
Following concepts developed by a community steering group during early 2020, Council appointed Tasmanian Firm, Ridemore Pty Ltd to design and construct one of the largest pump tracks in Tasmania, to be complimented by three descent mountain bike trails and a family friendly loop extension to the existing pathway within the reserve.
The design and construct tender process encouraged innovation in the way the various tracks and pathways were located and developed to provide for a range of beginner, intermediate and advanced rider experiences.
The finished design comprises a 390m long, 2.5m wide asphalt pump track south of the existing carpark, on the east side of the dog exercise area, and three mountain bike descent trails on the hillside above the pump track.
The pump track will include a separate children’s area and the dirt mounds currently used for jumping will be shaped and enhanced to create a series of dirt jumps.
Construction began in mid-January along the east side of the reserve where the 2m wide shared pathway, accommodating families with very young children and casual riders, will enable people to circulate in a loop starting and ending at the carpark.
The new facility is expected to begin operating in the first half of 2021.
Mayor, Steve Kons, said, “This project is another plank of Council’s master planning vision for the reserve, consistent with the objectives and actions of the View Road Reserve Management Plan.
“The plan recognises ongoing infrastructure development to support walking, cycling, dog exercise, disc golf and other outdoor exercise and recreation pursuits, whilst protecting and enhancing the natural values of the space.”
