[Closed] Horsham Pump Track

That looks fun

It's fairly goo fun, worth stopping by if you live in the area, but I wouldn't travel too far for a special trip to visit.

I intend to use it (after half term) to make lunch hours more fun. Not sure I have the proper bike or kit though to be a pump gromm. I'm also about 30 years too old.

"built by Clarke & Kent Contractors"

Looks like they did a super job

Does anybody know anything about the background to the project? Who proposed it, who built the business case, how funding was secured etc.

I would like to speak to my local council about building something similar. I am happy to do lots of the legwork involved, but it would be good to speak to somebody who had been involved in this project or something similar for some advice.

Thanks

Peekay. Where are you based?

I'd be interested to know how this happened too.....

I'd love to bring something like that to where I live in Croydon. Loads of potential here with the parks we have.....

I believe it was built as a part of the new housing development so would likely be part of the Section 106 agreement?

looks ace, but i prefer the velosolutions stuff, even though im rubbish at riding them.

@dknwhy I'm in Dorking.

We have a great park right in the centre with soft play, cafe, duck pond, play park, outdoor gym equipment, sports fields, youth club and a skate park - I think that a family friendly pump track would compliment all this. There is even the perfect space for it.

The town likes to sell itself as a cycling hotspot. There is a great riding scene in the town and surrounding Surrey Hills both road and mountain bike. Lots of active people with young families, clubs and bike shops who I imagine would support it. I know a few people who would be willing to help put the effort in to writing proposals applying to British Cycling for funding, speaking to the council etc but just don't know where to start. I'm happy to speak to the council, but want to inform myself of how best to do so.

@peekay, I assume you're aware of the dirt 'jumps' area by Dorking West station/allotments? Ok, not a pump track but may be useful in finding out who deals with this in the council - I think there is some kind of sign up near it if I remember?

@peekay

A pump track is a great idea for the town and I'd be happy to help where i can on the planning side. I'm a Dorkinite and perhaps of more relevance, currently a planning consultant and ex-planning officer too. In a former role at Ealing Council I worked on a exciting Council project to build a really great BMX track and skate park at their Gurnell Leisure centre near Greenford.

To kick thinks off, you need to in touch with the Councillors. I imagine that all of Meadowbank Park is owned by Mole Valley Council, so you'd need to get them on board in the first instance. I believe the Councillor responsible for leisure projects is David Draper, who is also the deputy leader of the whole Council - so has some influence.

Funding wise, the BMX tack project was a JV with the Nation Lottery Fund, so that might be another approach on the money side.

Feel free to DM me to chat more on this.

Phillip

Clarke & Kent Contractors

They also rebuilt the Addlestone BMX track

@mark Sussex yes, aware of the dirt jumps. They are great, and we are very fortunate to have them (I think that they were the result of a similar group of riders' personal mission), but they a bit out of the way, require ongoing maintenance, and not really family as friendly as a pump track could be. Pump tracks are great as you can have toddlers on micro scooters, kids on skates, teens on bmx, or even adults using them. Often simultaneously due to everyone going the same direction. Almost universally accessible and suitable for all skill abilities, and usually much less prone to "ownership" by a single group like skate parks sometimes are.

@wooderson thanks for the message. PM sent.

Let's make this happen!