It started with a written request for dirt jumps from a 10-year-old resident and finished with a fantastic pump track facility for the community.
This £95,000 project was primarily paid for from Section 106 funding that was provided specifically for sports infrastructure. The main chunk of those funds emanated from the Rivendell development. The final chunk of funding was provided by British Cycling following a successful application for £16,000 to the Places To Ride programme. Delivered through a unique partnership between British Cycling, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and Sport England, the Places to Ride programme has made £15 million available to ensure a lasting legacy in England from the 2019 UCI Road World Championships.
The pump track was designed and installed by Forte Trailscapes. Kye Forte said “Using our many years of experience the track has been designed to make the most of the space adjacent to the play park & concrete skatepark, catering to all abilities, whilst challenging experienced riders & being safe for beginners.
Mayor Martin Tinkler presented Oliver James with a certificate of appreciation nearly 2 years after he wrote to the council, with the request to create dirt jumps in the open space. Stating “it has been a delight for a young person to take an interest in the Town” and that the project “nicely completes the facilities for play, sport and recreation at Millstream Meadow”
Ollie is really delighted with the outcome as he just “wanted somewhere where he could hang out with his mates and ride bikes”. This project has certainly achieved that and more, bringing benefit and enjoyment to the whole community.
NB: Places to Ride is now closed, but there is a new collaboration between British Cycling and Crowdfunder to fund the development or improvement of new or existing cycling facilities and activities in communities across England.
Mayor Martin Tinkler presenting Oliver James with a certificate of appreciation.