Reference group to shape Ocean Grove bike park

THE City of Greater Geelong is recruiting community members to a reference group aimed at being the catalyst to turn long-held dreams of an Ocean Grove bike park into reality.

After demolishing several DIY bike jump sites that were built across the town, particularly during the pandemic, the city committed to building a dedicated facility and earmarked Kingston Park as the preferred site, but the plan has met with some local opposition.

Councillors resolved in November last year to establish a community reference group for the Ocean Grove District Ride Centre in an effort to alleviate concerns of the 10 formal objectors, and has set itself a February 22 deadline to recruit up to 12 people for the task.

“A facility like this has the potential to be of real value to Ocean Grove residents, along with being another attraction to those visiting the Bellarine Peninsula,” Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said.

“It’s important that we have a range of perspectives contributing to the conversation, so we hope to draw on people with a variety of connections to Kingston Park.”

During a Submissions Review Panel hearing on the project in October, questions were raised about the potential impact the bike park would have 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 is a supporter of the project and its location, but acknowledged it was important to strive for community consensus and urged residents to focus on how they could contribute to conversations around the facility.

“It’s vital that we consider the many different positions that are held in relation to the development of the Ocean Grove District Ride Centre,” she said.

“There are many things to consider when it comes to moving the detailed design forward and I encourage all stakeholders to think about sharing their thoughts on the concept.”

Once selected, the reference group will hold workshops in Ocean Grove across March, April and May, and all applicants will be notified of the outcomes of the selection process in writing after the submission period closes on February 22.

To apply to be part of the group and see its terms of reference, head to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/OGDRC-EOI