East Lothian Council is gathering views on potential locations for new pump tracks in three of the county’s towns.
A pump track is designed to create a safe, fun and inclusive playground for all wheels-based users regardless of age or gender. They provide a playground for kids and adults from beginners to professionals and a sustainable and fun-packed activity for everyone in the community.
An early mapping exercise identified a number of Council-owned areas in Haddington, Prestonpans and Tranent that might be suitable for a pump track. Each location has its own unique attributes and opportunities, meaning that community views are essential to identifying the most appropriate space that could be progressed.
The council is particularly keen to hear from children and young people and other groups who would use a pump track. All projects are subject to further detailed design, planning permission and full project funding, with the views of local people vital to help shape the projects at concept stage.
Ormiston
A new pump track which opened in Ormiston last year following extensive work and fundraising by the Friends of Ormiston Park has become a key feature of the community with regular meet-ups, litter picks and events. Community groups in North Berwick and Musselburgh are also progressing proposals for those towns. The council has set aside £250,000 in its capital budget to support the development of pump tracks in East Lothian. Additional funding from external bodies will also be key to any future proposals.
Fantastic opportunities
Cabinet member for Sport, Countryside & Leisure, Councillor Colin McGinn said: “We can see from Ormiston the fantastic opportunities that pump tracks offer for being active, developing new skills and taking part in formal and informal coaching and learning. What’s also impressive is that pump tracks can be part of wider work to improve community engagement and cohesion.
"Ormiston sits as part of a park that is a real focal point for events; Musselburgh Monarchs BMX Club hopes to create a hub for walking and cycling, and North Berwick Community Pump Track group hopes to be situated alongside environmental and nature-based projects. Each aims to create a hub for community activity and multigenerational projects with a pump track as an integral part of the community open space. A track is also under consideration in Dunbar in conjunction with Hallhill.
“Getting the development of these community facilities right starts with sharing our early ideas and getting feedback from the people who will use them. We hope that many people in our communities, especially our children and young people who will benefit most from these spaces, will share their views with us on potential projects in Haddington, Prestonpans and Tranent.”
The consultation closes on 31 July 2022. Full information is available online.