Ocean Grove zeroes in on BMX track

OCEAN Grove is one step closer to having its own purpose-built BMX and mountain bike park after Corangamite federal member Libby Coker announced her support for the project.

Her support is a win for the Ocean Grove Bike Park Committee, which has been lobbying for a dedicated bike track since July when the council flattened jumps made by kids in the

Woodlands Reserve.

Ms Coker (right) met with community members on Saturday to discuss the need for the park.

“I acknowledge the project is still in its early days of development, but it’s great to see the passion from the local young people and their parents to get it off the ground,” she said.

“There is still a lot of work to be done, but I’m very supportive of the project. As a former councillor I understand the value and benefits of bike paths. I will do what I can to make sure this project moves forward.”

Ryan Dodson, the chair of the Ocean Grove Bike Park Committee, said there was demand for a bike park to be built.

“The kids are building illegitimate bike tracks everywhere – that illustrates the need for it,” Mr Dodson said.

From the outset Mr Dodson has advocated for the positive outcomes that a bike park will have on physical and mental wellbeing.

“We need a proper park that has been designed and engineered by the council,” he said.

A staffer for Ms Coker said the issue had been underscored in a letter to City of Greater Geelong chief executive officer Martin Cutter, and that Ms Coker intended to write to the newly-elected councillors when the votes are tallied.