A bike park is to be developed at the Dave Culham Drive end of William Fraser Memorial Park on Pohe Island. The park has been in the Long Term Plan for some time but has been unable to proceed due to lack of funding. With the injection of funds announced through the PGF combined with significant funding input from WDC and NRC the project is back on the table with site preparation to begin before the end of the year.
The design of the park has been a collaboration between Bike Northland, WSP, WDC, and Velosolutions, and informed by key stakeholders. The park aims to have something for everyone with a Pump Track, Traffic Skills & Coaching area, Mountain Bike Skills area, Beginner Skills area, and a Circuit Track 800 meters long.
The existing building on site will be tidied up to provide shade and shelter for users of the park, and events. The park will be linked to the shared path network creating multiple route options and extensions to the existing infrastructure as well as a destination in itself.
Bike Northland has engaged International Pump Track designers Velosolutions to design a world-class pump track. The design includes two tracks which will cater to even the most advanced riders, while still being fun for the novice amongst us.
Painted road markings and signage will provide an area for cycle skills training and coaching with a particular focus on road safety. This area includes an open-sided shelter and will double as a large flat-surfaced area for many other activities including skating, para-cycling, and events.
A beginner bike skills track will help children, (and adults), develop their bike handling skills through fun features including ramps, see saws, and slalom poles. From here riders can move into more challenging features in the Mountain Bike Skills area, which will include small drops, rock gardens, a wallride, and ramps. All designed to allow riders to continually challenge themselves as they progress.
The 800m circuit track will provide a smooth-surfaced track for coaching road riders and para cyclists, as well as a place to race the grandkids.
There will be car parking on-site and a few hundred meters away in the centre of Pohe Island. Users are encouraged to also access the park via linkages with the greater shared path infrastructure. The project is part of a wider plan to create a multi-use sport and recreation area across the whole of William Fraser Memorial Park, Pohe Island. It is hoped to have the project complete by the end of 2021.
