Sports facilities at Hunter’s Hall Park in Edinburgh have received a boost thanks to the opening of a new pump track located behind the Jack Kane Centre.
A pump track is a facility for all types of wheeled sports from BMX and mountain bikes to skateboards and roller-skates. The track is made of rollers and banked turns designed to be ridden completely by riders "pumping" - generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedalling or pushing.
Designed by Velosolutions UK the track is suitable for all abilities from first-time visitors through to experts for all wheeled sports. Beginners can use the track and as skill and speed progresses it is designed to provide more challenges such as jumps.
Hunter’s Hall Park continues to boast some of the best sporting facilities in the local area following the opening of two new third generation (3G) artificial grass pitches (AGP) earlier this year.
Culture and Communities Convener Councillor Donald Wilson said:
Cycling is one of the country’s fastest-growing sports, and this new track provides people with facilities where they can sharpen their skills and gain confidence in their abilities.
We are committed to encouraging and enabling everyone to become more physically active and enjoy the benefits. We want sport to be as accessible as possible for our residents and our investment in fit-for-purpose sports facilities is helping to ensure that as many people as possible can get involved in sport throughout the year.
Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan, Culture and Communities Vice Convener said:
It’s fantastic to see this new facility open and already proving popular. It’s a great addition to the park that I’m sure will provide a safe and fun space for people of all ages to exercise and hone their skills. The fully asphalt track can also be used in all-weather which is always good in Edinburgh!
We have signs in place advising how best to use the track and we are reminding visitors to follow social distancing guidelines. I hope the new track encourages more people to get on their bike, skateboard or roller skates and give it a go.
Edd Wright, Design Manager at Velosolutions UK said:
The response to the track has been amazing. We're really grateful to have been given the opportunity to build this track for the people of Niddrie, especially at a time when keeping active in outdoor spaces is of a huge importance. We hope it inspires people to get out and have fun!