A new pump track in Willand, funded by contributions from housebuilder Bellway, has been given the seal of approval by former BMX world champion Kye Forte.
The Devon-based rider, whose company Forte Trailscapes constructed the track, joined more than 40 local youngsters for the official opening of the new facility on Jubilee Field.
A pump track is a circuit of rollers, banked turns and features designed to be ridden completely by riders “pumping” - generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedalling or pushing.
The Willand pump track, which is one of only a handful in Devon, was constructed by Forte Trailscapes, who have more than 20 years’ worth of experience in delivering specialised bike tracks.
Kye Forte, who designed and helped build the track, said: “We’ve been building pump tracks for a long time. I was a professional rider and got into it through that, just building our own tracks for events and gaining the experience and knowledge to do it. We’re very busy at the moment.
“Pump tracks are good. They’re very popular at the minute. It’s good for everyone, from the beginner to an expert rider or a dad with kids, mum with kids, everyone can use them in all weather as well.
“I’m very pleased with this one. We’ve done lots of these, but this one in particular rides really well. I think we’ve got about as much into the area as we can.
“Some of the children here today are on less than ideal bikes and obviously a lot of them are beginners, but we’ve not seen any crashes, everyone is getting around the track well, so it’s working a treat.”
He also wowed the children with his moves on the track, showing off his skills as a former world champion.
The creation of the new pump track in Willand is an example of the wider benefits that new housing developments bring to an area. As part of the planning agreement for its Fox Mill Gardens development in Willand, Bellway is making contributions of more than £1 million to help improve local infrastructure and services. Willand Parish Council has used some of this money to replace the old BMX track.
Willand Parish Council chairman Barry Warren said: “Willand is increasing in size and needs all the facilities it can acquire for the benefit of the expanding community.
“The provision of this pump track has been five years in the making but it adds another dimension to the various play and fitness equipment within the Jubilee Field. I thank all those who have worked with me to achieve this. There is more to come.”
He added: “It’s important for this field, you’ll see there’s a lot of keep fit and play equipment around the field and it’s right by the school, so they come out of the school and I get complaints from parents who can’t get their children home after school sometimes, but it’s all part of getting them out in the fresh air, giving them the opportunity to keep fit and to socialise together and you’ll notice we’ve got picnic benches and so on, and there’s more to come so that it can be a family hub within the village.
“There are a lot of people through the summer. I suppose they haven’t been able to go away so much because of finance, but there’s been quite a lot of families come here and had picnics and the kids have played on the equipment and it has become a real hub within the village, which is good.”
The new pump track was officially opened by Barry Warren and Anne Hawkins, the headteacher of Willand School. Jill Moores, sales advisor for Bellway South West, also attended the ceremony.
Jill Moores said: “It’s very exciting to come here and see the new pump track being launched today. Bellway are currently doing a development in Meadow Park, called Fox Mill Gardens, which is proving very popular with all the locals and as part of the planning permissions and things like that, then we are providing money for the areas and facilities and we have put in money for the pump track.
“It’s lovely to see them enjoying it in the sunshine.”
