Plan to extend, improve Fox Street trails

The thrill of the ride: Mountain biker Kyle Seabrook gets air over a jump on the trails in Whataupoko Park, at the top end of Fox Street. Riders, runners and walkers use the trails created in the park and now Gisborne Mountain Bike Club and the District Council have a vision for extended riding tracks. Picture by Liam Clayton

Plans to upgrade the existing mountain biking trails within Whataupoko Reserve have been accepted by Gisborne District Council.

Gisborne Mountain Bike Club approached GDC with a proposal to develop and extend riding trails at the reserve in Fox Street.

A concept design for a series of new and upgraded trails had been developed by Southstar Trails, professional mountain bike track builders, with support from Eastland Community Trust.

The club believes it can raise the $130,000 quoted by Southstar Trails to construct the new trails.

Renewal of the existing trails inside the park is included in the 2018-2028 long-term plan, so the club says this proposal complements the council’s plans for the reserve.

The council has agreed to work with the club on the project, similar to the arrangement with Wainui Lions for the Junior Cycle Park.

GDC contracts and asset manager Garrett Blair said a multi-stage plan was being considered.

“The project is split into two stages, with stage one looking to create new, more difficult tracks that really challenge riders.

“GMBC are leading this with funding support from ECT.

“Stage two will look at the renewal of the existing tracks to make them fit for purpose and align with the new tracks completed in stage one.”

Questions were raised regarding dual usage of the trails by councillor Amber Dunn at this week’s Future Tairawhiti Committee meeting.

She was concerned at possible risk if walkers and riders used the same tracks.

GDC lifelines director David Wilson said clear signage would be installed to warn if trails were for mountain biking only or dual usage and all tracks would be graded to indicate required skill level, a common practice in mountain bike parks.

The mountain bike club would raise funding for construction of the new downhill trails, gradient improvements to climbing trails and appropriate signage.

The council would contribute to the project by developing and implementing a communications and engagement plan to ensure reserve users and surrounding neighbours were aware of the proposal, and directly engage and oversee Southstar Trails in construction of the new trails.

Upgrades to any remaining areas of existing trails would also be undertaken.

Work will start in late 2018 if the necessary funding is secured.