Riders keen to take on Foxton Beach pump track venue

Holben Reserve at Foxton Beach will soon have one of the largest asphaltic-surfaced pump tracks in the country.

Holben Reserve at Foxton Beach will soon have one of the largest asphaltic-surfaced pump tracks in the country.

A pump track is a circuit containing berms and mounds that riders can use, instead of pedalling, to gain and keep momentum.

Work on the $340,000 project started on Monday and is expected to take eight weeks.
When complete, the facility will measure 50 metres squared, making it first-equal with the Grey Lynn pump track in Auckland as the largest in New Zealand.

Horowhenua District Council's Parks and Property Project Lead Zane Bull said that the pump track emerged as the top priority for the public following consultation on the Foxton Beach Reserves Investment Plan.

"It will be a great resource for families and visitors to Foxton Beach that will complement the facilities already available at Holben Reserve," he said.

"The design incorporates track circuits for all ages and abilities, including a track for children aged two to four years and loops for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders.

"People can progress from the easy loop to the more difficult ones as they develop their skills."

The design includes a drinking fountain, viewing area with seating, and directional arrows to aid in preventing collisions.

The tracks will be asphalted to accommodate skateboarders and scooters, as well as bikes.

Astroturf will be laid between tracks to keep them dirt-free.

The project is being funded out of the $1 million from the Foxton Beach Endowment Fund with the agreement of the Foxton Community Board.