Junior bike park possibilities

A Junior ‘Learn to Ride’ Cycle Track may become a reality as Council prepare to canvas the public on potential site options.

“A kid’s bike park was hugely popular amongst submitters to Let’s Talk Month in August,” says planning and performance manager, Harley Dibble.

Council received a proposal from the Gisborne Wainui Lions Club in October to implement a ‘learn to ride’ track with roundabouts and traffic signs, based on the concept of the Napier Junior Bike Track.

Mayor Meng Foon says he is supportive of the initiative that promotes road safety amongst families and something that is targeted for younger children.

“We’ve identified two possible site options and plan to have public consultation on the preferred site over the next month,” explains acting parks & community property manager, Garrett Blair.

The options are; the Adventure Playground at the former pump station site, or Alfred Cox Park next to the Gisborne I-Site Mini Golf.

Benefits of the Alfred Cox Park site include being close to the Skate Park, Information Centre and Mini Golf, next to Awapuni cycle walkway, close to two schools and residential properties.

The park is already zoned as recreation reserve and has multiple safe entry points and a centralised and sheltered location.

There are potential noise issues with proximity to residential properties, limited parking and the existing use by the Earlybird Market on Saturday mornings at this site.

“If the Alfred Cox site preferred by the community, we will work with the Earlybird Market to reach a positive resolution,” says Mr Blair.

The Adventure Playground could be a preferred option as it is next to the playground, Olympic Pool, midway beach and the Oneroa beachfront cycle and walkway due for completion in June 2015.

Constructing a Junior Bike park at the playground could also revitalise use of the ex-pump station site.

The area is also close to a State Highway and industrial area, has limited parking and limited natural surveillance.

“The Adventure Playground is currently not designated recreation reserve, not centrally located and could have conflicting usability during the summer festival period,” says Mr Blair.

Many in the community have advocated for a junior bike park, one post the Council Facebook page said “Gisborne needs more things for families to do, especially things that don’t cost, a traffic learn to ride bike park for small kids would be ideal.”

The Gisborne Wainui Lions have come forward and proposed to raise the funds for construction of this facility.

Tell us which site would you prefer for a ‘Junior Learn to ride’ Cycle Track on Facebook, pick up a feedback form from Council offices, the library or the Olympic Pool or online at www.gdc.govt.nz/junior-bike-park

Feedback should be received by 5pm Monday 9 February 2015.

ENDS

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