BMX track gets makeover
DUNEDIN’S best kept secret has received a $140,000 makeover.
The BMX track at Forrester Park, tucked away somewhat in the top end of the city, has received a good spruceup over the past two years and will have an official open day on Sunday.
The track has gone through significant changes in the last two years as a result of a $140,000 revamp. Features include a new 5m high start ramp (designed to international cycling standards), a smaller community rider ramp, three asphalted corners, a jumping pro straight and plantings.
It is the southern most track in Oceania that has all these features and an asset that Dunedin can be proud of.
Dunedin BMX Club president Brent Rutherford said the new track had been created with a dual role in mind: to provide a competitive BMX racing environment and also to supply, free of charge, a riding experience for all cyclists — whether young or old — in the wider community to use, enjoy and increase their cycling skill level.
The track has been designed by the club and constructed by a loyal group of volunteers who have donated thousands of hours of their time, and machinery, to achieve a fantastic result.
Rutherford added that without the generous support of local businesses and community funding groups the dream of providing the facility could not have been realised.
‘‘The club was eternally grateful for their support,’’ he said
Some planting and beautification is yet to be completed, but the track is fully operational for all to use.
The club, which is believed to be the oldest BMX club in the country, has been given the hosting rights for the BMX South Island championships in January next year, with more than 300 riders from all over New Zealand expected to attend the event.
The open day is set for 11am on Sunday, and riders of any ability are welcome to attend. The club has about 80 riders aged from 4 to over 50.