A trio of Yorkton residents; Lee Rusnak, James Stephenson and Todd Rusnak, appeared before the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday pitching the idea of a ‘pump track’ in the city.
For those unfamiliar with pump tracks “A pump track is a one-to-three metre wide track that can be used for bicycle, skateboard, in-line skates and scooter riders to practice skills on a series of features, such as berms and rollers placed in quick succession,” detailed their report to Council.
“Essentially they are scaled down BMX tracks which do not require pedaling. ‘Pump’ refers to the action made by riders pushing down with their arms and legs to manoeuvre the bike or board over features to maintain momentum without pedaling or pushing-off the ground. Typically, tracks can be ridden continuously, and different combinations of features can be linked to provide a varied challenge. Bike handling skills can be transferred to other mountain bike tracks. Well-designed pump tracks cater for all abilities, with all features being roll-able for beginners, and allowing for progression to pumping, and even jumping for more advanced riders. Riding a pump track is easy and children are typically comfortable using them within 10-20 minutes.
“A well-designed pump track provides enough challenges to stay attractive for years, because the rollers and berms can be combined and transitioned in different directions, creating opportunity for skilled riders to do jumps and maneuvers. Pump tracks can be made from natural soil, hardened surfaces, wood, fibreglass, concrete or asphalt. Historically pump tracks were constructed from natural soil blends and required significant ongoing maintenance. More recently, world’s best practice is tending toward lower maintenance surfacing techniques and materials, such as asphalt, which are inclusive for a larger user base of wheeled-sports including skateboarding, scooters, in-line skates and non-off road bikes.”
Lee Rusnak told Yorkton This Week Friday that he had not been aware of pump tracks until he met Stephenson through his brother Todd.
It turned out Stephenson, who had moved to the city from Australia, was part of a team that designs pump tracks around the world.
“That’s how I stumbled upon the idea... They’re the rage right now,” said Lee Rusnak, adding a pump track “. . . is a perfect community thing” as it can accommodate riders from five to seniors.
“It’s exactly what Yorkton needs, a low maintenance recreational facility.”
Typically a track is designed with three distinct loops, with different degrees of challenge, explained Rusnak, the ‘green’ loop being ideal for wheelchairs and five-year-olds with scooters, the ‘black’ loop for riders wanting to do 360-tail whips, and the ‘blue’ loop somewhat in between.
The proposal put to Council showed three possible track designs based on three possible locations, with a range in costs from $150,000 to $400,000 that includes design, construction and landscaping, but not drainage, said Rusnak, adding they need City guidance on that aspect or the proposed constructions.
The first of the sites; Heritage Heights Park has an enormous amount of grass area and would easily accommodate a pump track of a variety of size and shape. This site will accommodate future expansions of the pump track or additional bike park facilities like jump lines, bike playgrounds, skill courses, learn to ride courses etc.
Gloria Hayden Recreation Centre has existing car parking and a large amount of unused grass in front of it that would easily accommodate a pump track. Services will be easily connected to with both the street and Gloria Hayden on adjacent boundaries. Facilities and shelter are available at the Gloria Hayden.
Weinmaster Park is a hive of activity that is well connected to adjacent neighbourhoods with a high ratio of young families. The site identified is to the north of the toboggan hill in a long slim section of the park. A smaller track could be accommodated but will be a very popular location given the visitation the park already gets.
While the 2021 budget has been set, there was interest from Council.
“I think it’s just a fantastic idea,” said Councillor Darcy Zaharia, adding he sees a pump track as a “super cheap” option in terms of outdoor recreation. “... I think it gets people out, gets people active.”
Mayor Mitch Hippsley was on-side in principle too.
“I’m all for family amenities,” he said, also noting the track idea could be an inexpensive addition to the city.
