Burley In Wharfedale Pump Track Project
What is a pump track and why will Burley In Wharfedale & The Whole Wharfe Valley benefit?
Well, first of all, pump tracks are both playgrounds and training facilities for bikers, skateboarders or scooter riders of all skill levels and ages. They are highly popular destinations that become a hive of community activity. Riders enjoy practicing the basic skills of carrying momentum, improving balance and building speed by using their arms and legs to pump their bike/board/scooter around the track.
As riders improve their skills, the tracks are designed to provide the option for more challenges with increased speed and skill, so no matter your age or skill level. There will be plenty of fun for all.
The plan, supported by the Parish Council and Community Trust, is to construct a pump track at the rear of the recreation ground in Burley In Wharfedale, replacing the current skatepark and a portion of the adjacent field space without encroaching onto the football pitch. The project will consist of a specific balance bike and accessibility track as well as a fully landscaped, larger track for everyone else. A track like this will really bring the community together in a positive way that will benefit the health of wellbeing of so many.
Still not sure what a pump track is?
Give this a watch to see what they are all about! Ormiston Pump Track is a great example of what we’re aiming for in Burley.
Why Burley In Wharfedale? Why Now?
Burley In Wharfedale is an expanding community bursting with energy and passion. Our vision is to create a safe, exciting, and inclusive space for everyone to embrace the joy of cycling and other forms of wheels. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a little one taking their first wobbly ride, this project is for you. Located in the heart of the Wharfe Valley, this project will really be a hub for the wider community surrounding the village and is exactly what we need in an area that has such a strong cycling community. This really is for the whole of the Wharfe Valley.
The project itself has already been granted planning permission, so all we need to do now is raise more funds with the help of our generous supporters, and you!
The Tracks
Balance Bike & Accessibility Track
This track will be a simple oval shape with shallow rollers and berms. The track itself will be slightly wider than the main track and its shallower profile and smaller features will make it ideal for younger children on balance bikes and scooters, as well as wheelchair users. It’s the perfect stepping stone to the big track and will be a great place for toddlers to gain confidence on their balance bikes. This will be located on the site of the old skatepark.
The Main Pump Track
This track will be situated next to to the smaller track. It will be bigger in length and have larger rollers, steeper berms as well as transitions and features that make it more suited for all ages and abilities and users groups. Bikes, scooters, skateboards, roller blades, it’s there to be enjoyed by all with it’s all weather tarmac surface.
The Benefits
Physical Activity
Pump tracks encourage outdoor physical activity and exercise, promoting a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages whether they are on a bike, scooter, skateboard or rollerblades.
Community Gathering
They serve as a focal point for the community, bringing people together and fostering a sense of belonging. This will be especially true with the future plans we have for our tracks, other recreational facilities and the pavilion in Burley.
Social Interaction
They encourage social interaction and networking among community members, strengthening social bonds. Again, with our plans of future events at the pump tracks, we hope to build a really strong community around this project.
Inclusive Recreation
They are accessible to a wide range of skill levels, making it an inclusive recreational space for the entire community. From toddlers on balance bikes, right through to professional cyclists they cater for all.
Youth Engagment
Pump tracks can keep young people engaged in positive activities, reducing the risk of delinquent behavior. There’s not enough for younger people to do in the area that encourages an active lifestyle in a fun way - the pump tracks will be part of the answer to that.
Quality Of Life
Overall, pump tracks enhance the quality of life in a community by offering a fun and engaging recreational option that benefits physical and mental well-being. This pump track and balance bike will be the best (and really one of the kind) within an hour’s radius of Burley. It'll provide a safe space for toddlers, kids and adults to come and enjoy cycling and it’s the perfect asset for the valley which has already proven its place on the cycling map.
Skill Development
Pump tracks provide an opportunity for cyclists to develop and refine their cycling and balance skills.
Environmental Benefits
They promote cycling and other sustainable ways of transportation. Our hope is that the pump tracks encourage more people in Wharfe Valley to get on their bikes and find joy.
Where?
The pump track will be situated in the Burley In Wharfedale Recreation Ground. The main track would make use of the space to the east of the basketball court. A smaller, balance bike track would be situated on the current skatepark site, with the skatepark being removed.
The designated area will allow ample room for a great track that will accommodate for balance bikes, wheelchairs, scooters, skateboards, inline skates and of course bikes!
Let’s make a pump track a reality for the Wharfe Valley in 2025!
How You Can Make a Difference
Our Target:
We need to raise about £220,000 to make this project a reality. With donations and pledges so far we have raised nearly half of this amount and we now need your help in the community to really help us with this next stage of fundraising and to show the support for this project.
We are looking to build this facility by the Spring of 2025.
Donate & Spread The Word:
Every pound and penny brings us closer to breaking ground on this exciting project. Your contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact! See our crowdfunder here.
