INTO GEAR: Community panel to decide final designs for Ocean Grove bike park

CITY of Greater Geelong councillors are standing by their initial recommendation for Ocean Grove’s ride centre to be at Kingston Park and will form a group to assist in developing a facility plan.

At November’s council meeting, the council recognised both support and objections for the location and said the reference group would help inform its final decision.

The city released a draft plan and concept designs for the proposed site in late-July, which included a pump track, skills trail and dirt jumps, for a month of community feedback.

A city survey found that of the 203 respondents, 87 per cent were in favour of the plan.

Of the formal submissions lodged, 14 were supportive and 10 objected.

A petition with 141 signatures was also tabled at last week’s meeting that opposed the planned location.

Objections included the potential impact on traffic, a lack of safe pedestrian and cycling connections to the site, the loss of open space and off-leash dog areas, and potential overflow impacts to the rest of the reserve.

Cr Stephanie Asher said the detailed design process would help the city address issues raised during the consultation.

“There is broad support for Kingston Park as the location and there is no question that a bike facility would be amazing particularly for the younger people of the region.

“But we do need to give appropriate respect to all submitters’ views.

“There have been some very valid points, very well made. Notably there is a risk of irreversibly reducing safe and off-leash dog walking spaces.

“This would impact specific demographics so that is the kind of issue that needs to be sorted before it’s changed forever.

“Once this process has taken place, the council will be in a better position to make a fully informed final decision.”

Cr Asher and Cr Jim Mason said the region needed a dedicated park to cater to younger people in the area, after riders built makeshift bike parks during the pandemic that the city later closed due to public safety concerns.

Cr Mason said it was important the community learned to share the space that was available for these sorts of projects.

“Children need alternative challenges that can be provided in a safe environment and I believe this centre would be one of those,” he said.

“The officers have undertaken a period of community engagement and have found Kingston Park is the most suitable space for this project, but we appreciate that the needs of all must be considered.”

A report with a recommendation is due before the council by August 2023.

Further information on the project and concept designs can be viewed at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/OGDRC