A fantastic new free facility for cyclists, skateboarders, roller skaters and scooter users of all ages has now opened in Wallasey’s Central Park.
The new pump track allows children and young people to exercise and build bike handling skills in a safe environment, away from traffic.
Pump tracks are visually similar to BMX tracks but usually smaller in scale and suitable for parks.
The pump track was officially opened on Saturday 19 March by the Mayor and Mayoress of Wirral and attended by Seacombe and Liscard councillors including the Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Janette Williamson, Wallasey MP Dame Angela Eagle, and young people engaged with local social enterprise Hype Merseyside, who deliver a range of neighbourhood youth and sports activities across Wirral and the wider city region.
Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Janette Williamson, said, “This new pump track has created a real buzz in and around Liscard and Wallasey in general, and I know people have already been using it and having a great time, which is fantastic to see.
“This scheme will provide a dedicated space for young people to enjoy cycling and outdoor activities away from the busy town centre area which is something local residents have been asking for over the years.”
Funding for the pump track was secured in 2020 from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Mayoral Town Centre Fund which was created to improve the vitality and viability in and around the region’s town and district centres.
It has been built in Central Park’s sunken former rose garden which was chosen because of its visibility and accessible location in the centre of the park, and followed extensive consultation last year with local people to share their ideas and choose their preferred design for the new facility.
Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said, “Getting town centres and high streets in all parts of our region back on the up has been a priority for me since I was first elected.
“During my first term, I launched a £6m Mayoral Town Centre Fund, which is benefitting communities like Liscard and Wallasey through projects like this.
“I know that town centres across the country are facing an existential crisis and the pandemic has only made that worse. But I’m committed to helping reimagine and regenerate these spaces and put them back at the heart of our community.
“Everyone should have a vibrant local high street that is a hub for people to meet, eat, shop and socialise.”
The pump track is a continuous circuit of banked turns and features that don’t require pedalling and can be used in different ways to suit all ages and abilities, from complete beginners through to experienced riders looking for a challenge.
Developing the pump track has been a key part of the Liscard Town Centre Action Plan, aimed at providing a new dedicated cycling space for young people close to the town.
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