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New track has people pumped up at Innisfil Beach Park (15 photos)

New BMX pump track is 'another exciting option to get active,' says Innisfil Mayor at ribbon-cutting ceremony

So far, the pilot mobile BMX pump track at Innisfil Beach Park has been getting two thumbs up from users.

Even before the official ribbon-cutting on July 22, cyclists and scooter riders tried out the bumps and bends in the hard-surfaced track, attempting to catch air.

The BMX Pump Track, located to the northeast of the tennis courts at Innisfil Beach Park, is a modular, mobile track designed to be set up and taken down in a single day.

BMX and other bike riders, skateboarders, scooter riders and inline skaters, ages 4 and up and wearing a CSA-approved helmet, are invited to ride the track.

On hand for the official opening were Mayor Lynn Dollin and members of Innisfil Council, as well as members of the Innisfil Beach Park Ad Hoc Committee, and the Youth Connex Committee that provides input on youth needs and concerns to council and staff.

There were also a number of parents whose kids, on scooters and bikes, were eager to try their skills on the challenging modular track.

Mayor Dollin praised the committees that investigated and pushed for installation of the BMX pump track.

“The real heroes are the Innisfil Beach Park Ad Hoc Committee,” said Dollin. “This group volunteers to do what they can to improve the park.”

She also thanked staff and the youth committee for pushing ahead with the proposal. “Like the pump track, it was a bit of a bumpy road,” Dollin acknowledged.

The mayor identified the mobile track as “another exciting option to get active” and noted that during the pandemic, “one of the lessons we’ve learned is the need to get outside.”

She noted that future plans for Innisfil Beach Park include a permanent BMX pump track; when that is installed, the modular unit can be moved to another location, she said.

The mayor also pointed out that BMX Freestyle is now an official Olympic sport, and suggested that future Olympians could be trying out the track even now.

There were some tumbles, and a few scrapes and bruises, but for the most part the riders were happy with the new track. 

“It’s good,” said 11-year-old Justin, who took his scooter around the difficult circuit. “It’s cool.”

“I think it’s an awesome addition to our town,” said Josh, 13. “There’s a lot of scooter riders and bikers who want to improve their skills.”

Politicians and staff watched as the young riders tried out the new amenity, then cut the ribbon to officially open the pump track.

“We actually go to the one in Gravenhurst. They have a pump track, a permanent one,” said Shawn Baxter, whose two sons, ages 11 and 13 were at Innisfil Beach Park for the opening. “But this is much closer.”

The approximately 50-metre (165') track cost $60,000, and was funded through the Innisfil Beach Park Ad Hoc Committee budget. 


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Miriam King

About the Author: Miriam King

Miriam King is a journalist and photographer with Bradford Today, covering news and events in Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
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