New Bannockburn bike park delivers jumps, berms and beginner tracks

BMX and mountain bike riders of all ages now have a new place to ride, with the $1.2 million Bannockburn Bike Park officially opening at Victoria Park this week.

The new facility features three tracks catering for riders of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced, complete with LED lighting, jumps, berms and other technical features.

 

Shaded rest areas, seating, connecting paths, a bike repair station, drinking fountain and additional parking have also been included.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Owen Sharkey said the project had been more than a decade in the making.

 

“It’s super exciting for us to see this come to fruition,” he said. “I’ve seen the full lifespan of this project from advocacy to delivering it here over my ten years on council.

“The community has had a huge input into this, and now parents can drop their children off and enjoy the facility for a whole day.”

 

The project received $900,000 through the Victorian government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, with the Golden Plains Shire contributing $300,000.

A further $50,000 will be invested in initiatives to improve participation opportunities for people with disability.

 

Geelong MP Christine Couzens officially opened the park on Monday alongside Cr Sharkey, describing it as a significant investment in recreation for the growing community.

“We are so thrilled to be able to fund this,” she said. “It’ll be a great facility for our young people, but also for parents and families.

 

“It feels like only a week ago that we were here turning the sod, and now it’s complete.”

The bike park was designed and built by Queensland-based Trailworx, which will also oversee its long-term maintenance.

General manager Sunni Chandra said the facility catered for riders of all abilities.

 

“This asphalt pump track is just first-class,” he said.

“We’ve got beginner loops and advanced tracks. There is no barrier to entry and you can come and just give it a go.

“It’s fantastic to see so many children sinking their teeth into and giving it a go already.”