FAQs

A BMX Pump track is built in such a way that once you enter the track you do not need to pedal the bike,  instead propelling the bike using gravity and a pumping action. There will be a beginners section built for younger or less experienced riders to learn the skills before entering the main part of the track. The track will be asphalted to reduce maintenance and to prevent use by motorbikes. It will also mean that scooters, skateboards and rollerblades will be able to be used on the surface.

Background 

In 2019 Kempsey Shire Council began conversations with the local community to discuss the opportunity to develop a pump track on a piece of under-utilised land in West Kempsey.

The community of West Kempsey is under-serviced for public infrastructure that provides access to spaces that promote healthy activity at no cost. Over a number of years the community has expressed an interest in having a BMX Pump Track built to provide opportunities for the local community.  Local services and organisations have committed to supporting the project and once in place it will be activated through partners running kids holiday activities, health and wellbeing programs, road safety workshops, bike maintenance programs and much more. The community wants this to be a healthy and active place for everyone!

This project came out of a community meeting organised by Community Housing Limited over 2 years. Since then monthly communities’ meetings have been held at the Salvation Army hall Leith St and the bike track has been discussed and co-designed by young people in West Kempsey. 

Over the last 18 months extensive work has been undertaken to 

• Identify and secure a suitable site within West Kempsey 
• Undertaken community engagement with project partners, State agencies, community members and local providers. Feedback has informed the selection of the new location and also informed the development of the new construction designs 
• Part project funding has been secured through NSW Government Grants, Council contribution and project partner support. There is a shortfall to fully fund the project and that’s why we are seeking community sponsorship and ownership of the project 

Over the last two years local services and community members (including young people) have been involved in the concept idea and designs for the pump track. In 2020 Council undertook a dedicated engagement program which included a Your Say Macleay online survey, face to face sessions, discussions with the Heights Bowling Club and door knocking with local residents (in partnership with other agencies) regarding the project. We heard from over 200 community members that there was a high level of support for this facility in West Kempsey 

The feedback was used to inform the following 

 - track relocation based on Crown Lands advice to Mountainview Reserve (off Polwood street) 

 - track redesign elements 

The site that has been identified is Mountain View Reserve behind the Heights Bowling Club, on the corner of Polwood and Tozer Streets West Kempsey

Why has this location been selected? 

After careful assessment and consideration this location has been selected for the following reasons

• The land is Crown Land in Council Trust. It is classified for Recreational use and as such the bike track meets the permissible use of the space 
• The location is in close proximity to the Kempsey Tennis Courts and Playground, and builds on an established sporting and recreation precinct 
• The site allows for construction of a BMX pump track without any requirement to remove trees from the space
• The natural grade of the site allows for a design that facilitates a pump track construction 
• There is a lack of cheap/free recreational facilities in the West Kempsey area and it is important to provide access to facilities across the shire for the whole community 

Yes. The track design is constructed in loops with the starting area for beginners. With each section of the loop the track gets harder.

It is being designed and built through NSW Government grant, with funding from Council and by seeking sponsorships from local businesses, organisations and individuals 

No. There is not sufficient funding to provide for lighting and CCTV cameras on the site. Just like many of our other recreational areas Council is unable to provide and manage that level of infrastructure unless a specific grant is secured. Lighting of the site may impact negatively on surrounding residences and it is not intended that this space be used during the evening.

No. Currently the site is used illegally by motorbikes, causing concern for residents and NSW Police. By constructing the track using asphalt causes the tyres of dirt bikes to deteriorate and the design angles will make the track unusable for motorbikes. NSW Police have been involved in the discussions and are committed to actively providing street patrols and surveillance of the site to prevent antisocial behaviour

It is expected that with local community buy-in and support there will be greater levels of community ownership of this space. This will generate a level of community interest in protecting and maintaining the site as a safe space.

NSW Police have been involved in the community meetings and have committed to regular street patrols and surveillance of the site

We are working to establish a local community group with stakeholders that will site manage the facility with community based programs being run at the bike track including a bike maintenance program and health base programs. Register as a volunteer through the survey link if interested in being involved.

No. The design of the track will be designed around the existing trees so that the track and seating area will have shade, removal of unsafe limbs will be completed before the start of build the track.

Toilets will not be installed as it is a local level park. In the future as funding becomes available for Stage Two, seating and shade may become available.