PUMP and bike tracks are set to be incorporated into stage two of the Waikerie river-front development – and elected members are hopeful the bike track will be disability inclusive.
Plans for a bike track and pump track to be installed at the Waikerie river front were discussed during an informal gathering of Loxton Waikerie councillors and council workers last week.
Loxton Waikerie council CEO David Beaton, councillors Kym Webber, Peter Walker, Jordann Kleemann and Clive Matthews, and architectural officer Adam Beauchamp last week discussed possible locations for a pump track and bike track, agreeing empty space near the planned amphitheatre at the river front’s western end was a potential site.
The bike and pump track plans were originally raised in March 2019, but scrapped along with the original river-front development concept. However, as the river-front development now prepares to move into stage two, the idea was raised by elected members again.
Mr Beaton said the informal meeting was to look at possible sites for the tracks before making any concrete plans.
“The pump track would be designed for the more adventurous, confident riders, while the bike track could be created to be disability inclusive,” he said.
“While there’s an intended playground or nature park near the area, it could possibly be removed from the stage two development plans to make room for a bigger pump track.
“The pump track needs to be laid on a concreted base, but the bike track would probably be hot mix.
“We’re currently looking at the detail, not the concept – we need to hammer out specifics before starting anything concrete, and look at what grant funds we can apply for.”
The Ramco mountain bike trail – to be installed behind the Ramco cemetery – will be discussed and planned at a later date.
Elected members inquired regarding a time frame on the bike tracks, and Mr Beaton said they would be completed this calendar year.
“Anything we can do to get kids to ride more and get people down to the new river front,” Mr Beaton said.