A fun-filled community event has been organised to mark the official opening of East Lothian’s first specialist track for biking and skateboarding. The event will take place from 3pm this Sunday.
The Friends group has worked tirelessly to develop this excellent facility. It will benefit the Ormiston community as well as those who enjoy biking
Proposals for a pump track at Ormiston were developed by Friends of Ormiston Park as part of the group’s commitment to improving facilities at the green space. The group worked closely with East Lothian Council to attract funding and appoint Velosolutions, an award-winning company specialises in designing and building tracks. Over £90,000 funding was raised towards the facility from SUEZ, Scottish Landfill Communities Fund and SportScotland, as well as individual donations from community supporters. Access Sport has granted £500 funding for the event itself.
The Friends group has organised an afternoon event that offers the local community and others the opportunity to learn more about the fantastic facility and try out the track. Radio Saltire will be broadcasting from the event and there will be food stalls available. Elite and experienced riders from local groups have been invited to attend and demonstrate their skills on the track as part of the activities.
The programme for the event is:
- 3pm-3.15pm: track taster session for pre-school children
- 3.15-3.30pm: track taster session for primary-aged children
- 3.30pm: speeches and official opening
- 3.45-4pm: elite rider demonstration
- 4pm: end of official activities; general access.
Cabinet member for Community Wellbeing Councillor Jim Goodfellow said: “The Friends group has worked tirelessly to develop this excellent facility. It will benefit the Ormiston community as well as those in East Lothian who enjoy biking and skateboarding. Council officers have worked closely with the Friends to bring their vision to reality and the finished pump track is a testament to the benefits that such joint projects can achieve. It seems right that the community will come together to celebrate its launch at what I’m sure will be a fantastic occasion.”
Friends of Ormiston Park Chair Lindsay Mainds said: ‘Friends of Ormiston Park have worked for many years to improve the facilities in Ormiston Park and the new pump track is a fantastic addition to the park. We'd like to thank East Lothian Council, our funders Sports Scotland and the SUEZ Trust and the local community for all their support during this project and we look forward to seeing the pump track inspire many people for many years.”
Anyone who plans to try out the track is asked to wear appropriate safety gear including a helmet. Visitors are encouraged to walk, scoot or cycle to the park but parking will be available in Ormiston Primary School car park and or beside the community pavilion off Meadowbank Road. Limited ‘Accessible Parking’ is available for Blue Badge holders nearer to the park access off Meadowbank Rd.
