Wanganui District Council has approved a new community bike park for Wanganui - but not before a "tortuous" argument among councillors lasting an hour.
Councillors unanimously agreed to support the project, which was brought to the council by Sport Whanganui.
Leighton Toy, the council's deputy property manager, told councillors the project came about after Sport Whanganui was approached by members of Wanganui's cycling community to have a bike track built in Wanganui. The initial plan was for a "pump track" suitable for young cyclists, with the possibility of expanding it for older age groups.
Sport Whanganui sought the council's approval to use the empty land between the Splash Centre and the YMCA, in London St. It was not asking for the council to contribute financially to the project.
"The Wanganui Community Sports Stadium Board, the YMCA, and a number of schools have provided their support to this proposal," Mr Toy said.