Dream of BMX track for March park is one step closer to a reality
A project dreamed up by three young people three years ago for a BMX pump track in March has taken a step closer to becoming a reality.
An application has been submitted this week from Phil Hughes, Fenland Council’s head of leisure, for the track to be built in West End Park.
A covering letter from Adam Garford, community service manager at Cambridgeshire County Council, explains the background to the £100,000 project.
He said: “Three years ago, ‘The Wheelz Project’ was set up by three young people. They made it their mission to engage and consult with the local community to; determine the need, design the facility, and gain support.”
Since then they have held numerous engagement events have been held including at the local youth cub, and Christmas Markets, along with an online Facebook survey.
Mr Garford said: “Over 400 people were consulted; 96% supported the development, 92% stated that at least one person from their household would use the facility, 86% of children and young said they were happy to travel to March to use the track.”
it will be built from dirt and asphalt and it is hoped the facility will be a gateway to developing a lifelong interest in a sport – not only cycling but other wheeled sports like skateboarding, scooters roller skating and wheelchairs, helping to keep people active and healthy.
Mr Garford continued: “Our track will offer an affordable low barrier to entry facility, whilst encouraging participation, developing cycle skills and rider confidence in a safe controlled environment.
“It will be free to access/use and provide regular opportunity for riders to progress, gain confidence and most importantly have fun.
“In addition to the fundraising carried out we have worked closely with the group to attract significant external funding, at a time where attaining funding is extremely competitive.
“Together we have secured a total of £100,000 from the Youth Investment Fund and Mick George. It is important to keep our funders happy and we have tight timescales to deliver this project.
“Mick George has stipulated all funding needs to be spent by September 2024. If these timescales are missed the funding from Mick George would need to be returned, and we would be forced to downsize our original plans, reconsult with our user /potential users and submit an alternative planning application.
“This would have a detrimental impact on both the local community and the opportunity to attract any future funding from the funding partners previously mentioned. We hope that you will take into consideration the tight deadlines linked to this the delivery of the BMX pump track in your deliberations about this project.”
