Another pump track is coming to Calgary –– the Inglewood community is set to see construction start this summer.
A pump track, which consists of small hills and banked turns, is designed so riders can “pump” themselves in up and downward movements to gain momentum.
Nico Bernard, Development and Capital Services manager for Calgary parks says that they have heard from Calgarians about a need for more pump tracks in the city.
“We hope the Inglewood Bike Pump Track will be a much-loved new park amenity,” he said in an email.
The new track is set to be located next to the bike path at Seventh Avenue and 20th Street S.E.
While community members raised questions about why the exact location was picked, Bernard said many options were originally reviewed and considered.
“This site was chosen due to its central location; proximity to an active transportation network/bike systems; an existing parking lot on site and recent engagement on recreation needs in this area showing a preference for more active, outdoor recreation amenities,” he said.
Naomi Withers, Inglewood Community Association’s communications director, said when Inglewood was faced with losing its pool, they were losing a space to build community. She hopes the new pump track helps in that.
“The Inglewood bicycle track will give us another space where we can come together to build community,” she said.
Withers says that the majority of residents in the community are excited to see the new pump track, but some are raising concerns about the increase of traffic flow and parking in the area.
Bernard says they will monitor traffic once the track is up and running to determine if adjustments are needed. He adds that, given the track’s location, users won’t only have to drive to get there.
“We are encouraging users to use active modes to get to the pump track. The pump track is located next to the regional pathway and the idea is that users will use the pathway to go to the park,” he said.
Withers adds the new track will allow for those of all ages to engage in the community.
“This will actually be able to serve a really large spectrum of the population from a three-year-old on a bicycle with training wheels to a family of teenagers, to parents to grandparents who want to ride together,” she says.
She plans to use the new track with her family and two sons upon its opening.
The engagement survey, to voice comments and concerns, closed on Monday and the City is planning to have a report available in the coming weeks. However, Withers adds that another engagement session with the City and parks foundation will happen in the next few weeks.
Calgary’s other pump track, located in South Glenmore, is temporarily closed for improvements.