Skateboarders, mountain bike and BMX riders are in for a treat over the next decade following a commitment from Whittlesea council to upgrade the city’s facilities.
Councillors agreed last week to invest about $1.4 million over the next 10 years in mountain biking, BMX, road racing, skateboarding, roller-skating and scootering in a bid to get more people outdoors and exercising.
According to council research, cycling and skating are the most popular sports in Whittlesea. Participation data reveals about 47,000 residents skate, scoot or cycle, and that figure is predicted to rise to about 70,000 by 2025.
Whittlesea’s leisure planner, James Lake, said in a council report that for a relatively limited investment, cycling and skating could deliver substantial physical and mental health benefits to the community.
“They provide an outlet for self-expression, physical challenge, exhilaration, social interaction and environmental appreciation,” Mr Lake wrote.
The council plans to spend $500,000 redeveloping the Sycamore BMX track, dirt jumps and pavilion. Construction is due to start early next year.
About $220,000 will be spent planning, designing and upgrading the Epping Skate Escape and about the same amount will go to upgrading Laurimar Skate Park, while $660,000 will pay for a new skate park in Mernda.
Recurrent funding of $4000 will also be used to run regular clinics and demonstration sessions.
Northern Park BMX Club president Terry Nicholls said the club’s 120 members looked forward to hosting races at the track once it is upgraded.
BMX Australia has refused to approve the track for official meets because it has fallen into a state of disrepair.
“We haven’t had a race there for three years because of the condition of the track,” Mr Nicholls said.
The council consulted Mr Nicholls as well as neighbouring councils and primary school children, and it conducted surveys at skate parks as part of the review.
