Young riders and skaters to enjoy new track

VICTORIA Park’s new Modular Pump Track was officially opened to the public last weekend, catering to a younger skaters, bike riders and scooters kids.

The track is located along Sturt Street, just up from the Inclusive Play Space, and children braved Saturday morning’s rain and chill to be some of the first to cut laps at the semi-permanent facility.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Samantha McIntosh, said the track is fantastic because of its all-weather, portable nature, and is an alternative to Main Road’s major skatepark. It cost around $80,000 to obtain and fit the equipment, and landscape the area.

“It’s one that we can move, within half a day, to different vicinities around our city. It will be great for the likes of Begonia Festival and other events that may benefit from a track like this,” she said.

“It gives us a chance to test this area and see, is this the right space for a permanent track? It’s right beside where the Parkrun starts and it’s very accessible to our community. We’ll see what the feedback is.

“No matter what season we’re in, there are all sorts of sporting activities for kids in Ballarat to come along for free and enjoy with their family and friends. I know it will encourage young people to get out and about, and be fit and healthy,” Cr McIntosh said.