Campaigners pumped with ride park design

OCEAN Grove bike campaigners have backed a proposed design and location for their long-awaited facility and are keen to see work get underway soon.

The City of Greater Geelong released its plan for the town’s District Ride Centre late last month, which proposed trails, jumps and skills areas for local mountain bikers at Kingston Park.

Ocean Grove Bike Park Committee has run a dedicated campaign for a local riding centre for more than two years in the lead-up to the release.

Local children had previously formed their own makeshift jumps, including at nearby Woodlands Drive in lieu of a suitable facility, which COGG flattened due to safety concerns.

Committee chair Ryan Dodson said the group was excited to see their efforts produce results with the plan release.

“It’s really great to see the plan and to see something happening. It will be even better to see something actually happen on site,” Mr Dodson said.

“I think it looks really good. It’s a great spot for it, it’s nice and central.

“I think everyone is really happy with the design and happy to finally see it out and to have something to comment on.”

COGG’s plan is for an 80 to 100-metre trail of dirt jump lines, an asphalt pump track aimed at beginner riders, plus shelter and seating areas in a self-contained area at the northern end of Kingston Park.

Mr Dodson said he would prefer a gravel pump track over an asphalt design to better suit local riders’ experience levels, but acknowledged the benefits of the lower-maintenance plan.

He encouraged Ocean Grove riders, their families and wider community to have their say on plans to help refine the end product.

“We want as many people to have their say on it as possible, so the council can get it as close to what people want as they can,” Mr Dodson said.

Early objectors have complained of a loss of open space at Kingston Park and potential traffic impacts at the busy Grubb Road and Shell Road area leading to new housing estates.

Consultation on the District Centre Plan is open until August 26 at COGG’s website.