Help design the Hervey Bay pump track

Fraser Coast residents are being encouraged to help design the new Hervey Bay pump track.

Cr Jade Wellings said pump tracks were becoming popular recreation facilities across the country with a recent feasibility study highlighting strong demand for pump tracks locally.

“A pump track is a circuit of rollers, banked turns and jumps designed to be ridden by generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedalling or pushing,” she said.

“The Hervey Bay pump track will be built at Fraser Coast Park behind the Council library and the University of the Sunshine Coast’s local campus.

“Council wants to hear from residents about what they would like to see in the track itself and the facilities around the pump track.

“Some options being considered include berms, which is a corner on a track built up on the outside of a turn to create a banked turn, and table top jumps, which is a jump that is entirely level or flat all the way across from the lip to the landing.

“Residents can have their say by filling in a short online survey on our Engagement Hub website - https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/pumptrack-hb - and by pinning ideas on an interactive map.

“Residents can add their comments and pin features such as drinking fountains, toilets and shade on the online interactive map.

“Council officers will also be attending events, such as the NRL’s ‘Play Something Unreal’ community day at Seafront Oval on Saturday 18 March, to provide the opportunity for residents to have a say.

“The community consultation is open now and closes on 2 April, with the design to then be finalised and the facility built in the 2023/24 financial year.”

Council secured a $1.3 million Works for Queensland grant from the State Government to build pump tracks in Maryborough and Hervey Bay.

Following a review of multiple sites across greater Hervey Bay, Council decided that Fraser Coast Park was the best site for the facility.

“The pump track will promote active use of the space and encourage activity outside of normal business hours,” Cr Wellings said.

“The planned construction of a carpark near the facility in conjunction with the new Council administration, library and disaster resilience centre will also support the pump track facility and provide additional passive surveillance of the site.

“Part of the park will still be available for events and there is still room for the University of Sunshine Coast to expand.”

Council has previously determined that the Maryborough pump track will be built in Anzac Park, with work to build this track expected to start this month.

The proposed tracks in Hervey Bay and Maryborough will include distinct sections to cater for beginners, intermediate and experienced users.

A smaller facility has already been opened at Tiaro.

“Council is determined to support an active and healthy community through providing parks and open spaces that are enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities,” Cr Wellings said.

“We are excited to develop these new facilities to bring locals and visiting families together.”