New BMX track created by Raumati Beach School students

Year eight boys group from Raumati Beach School with principal Mike Farrelly on the right. Photo / Rosalie Willis

A cold southerly with bitter winds and a light smattering of rain didn't stop Raumati Beach School's Year 8 boys' group from getting stuck into the mud and dirt last week as they carved out a new BMX track next to the school's back field.

With the field having a revamp, contractors Mexted donated some of their time and piled the dirt into a basic shape along the edge of the field.

"This has been a long process for the school getting the back field done," said the school's principal, Mike Farrelly.

"One of the things the board talked about and that the kids identified was a cycle track.
"We also have plans for another proper pump track later on."

Harry Skelsey, Hennessy Pewhairangi and Charlie Myers-Kay putting in trees that will help separate the two sides of the new BMX track at Raumati Beach School. Photo / Rosalie Willis

The idea to get the students involved in helping create the track came when the school saw there were not a lot of elective groups the boys were interested in.

"We identified there were a lot of groups for the girls who were doing a lot of different things but not so many for the Year 8 boys.

"There was an opportunity to work with a group of boys who volunteered to do a project and I took that on board."

With the principal leading the group, the boys are in their second week working on it with two more to go to see the track completed before the end of term.

"We're at the stage where tyres have all been dug in, the planting has been done today and over the next couple of weeks will be consolidation and firming up the track."

The track will then be left until the field is ready and both will be opened to the students.

With all the students working on it heading to college next year the aim is for them to leave behind something they are proud of.

"The aim is for these boys to put some work into the BMX track as something they can leave behind and be proud of.

"It's like a legacy."