Temporary pump track rolls forward for Shirley

Young people in Shirley will have a new place to whizz around on their bikes, skateboards and scooters if plans for a temporary pump track go ahead.

Christchurch City Council plans to install a modular pump track in the Shirley Community Reserve. The 48 metre track will be temporary so it can be moved to different sites in the future.

A temporary pump track is planned for Shirley Community Reserve. Photo supplied by Park-Life.

Pump tracks have bumps and bends that allow bikers, skateboarders, scooter riders and roller skaters to accelerate around the track without pedalling. The one planned for the reserve is designed by Park-Life and is made up of sections that connect together.

Along with the track, there will be a multi-purpose concrete table and two concrete bench seats installed nearby.

The project has been developed in response to a request from an intermediate schoolboy living in Shirley who brought a petition to the Papanui-Innes Community Board in August 2018 asking for a skate, scooter and bike park in the area.

The Council is calling for community feedback on the proposal, particularly regarding the landscape plan and the location of the table. Public consultation has opened and people have until Monday 29 July to give their feedback. 

Council staff will be visiting schools in the area to talk about the proposal and get feedback from local children. 

Council Head of Parks Andrew Rutledge says the planned pump track would allow the Council to revitalise the reserve and make good use of the area, the site of the former Shirley Community Centre, until decisions are made about the reserve’s future.

“We’re always happy to be able to respond to suggestions from young people in the community and we think this project will be a positive one that encourages people in the community to use an under-utilised area.”

The Council investigated other potential sites in Shirley but the reserve was chosen because it has good separation from neighbours and is located near other facilities such as a playground, basketball court, Shirley Playcentre and Shirley Primary School.

Once consultation closes the Papanui-Innes Community Board will consider feedback from the community and decide whether to approve the plan.