A collaboration of area residents and Centre Wellington councillors could result in the creation of a new BMX park in northern Fergus in the near future.
On June 29, councillor here gave a collective nod of approval for the project.
The idea is to create a beginner BMX development in Harper Park through volunteer resources.
The report from managing director of community services Brian Detzler recommended council approve the request from volunteers in the Harper Park neighbourhood to establish a beginner BMX track in Harper Park for bicycles through their volunteer resources and capabilities.
Further, the BMX track would only be open for public use during normal park operation hours.
The issue came about following the revelation that an informal and unauthorized BMX track was discovered in an environmentally-sensitive area of Harper Park.
The new site would be on lands immediately behind the water tower.
Detzler said that upon investigation by staff it was determined that ramping utilized to build the track was unsafe and the effects of the track would be detrimental to the environmental area long term. Based upon this evaluation staff arranged to have the track removed and the area restored to its natural state.
Area neighbours identified a desire and need to establish some form of a beginner BMX track in this area and approached township staff to make it happen.
Staff then identified an area of Harper Park which is located in an existing open green space and is a sufficient distance from local residences, yet easily accessible to facilitate use and ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
Detzler explained volunteers would utilize their own equipment and supplies in a manner that would facilitate a beginner quality track for non-motorized bike use only.
He added, in the event that council approves this approach, all volunteers participating in the construction will be required to sign the attached liability form. Community Services staff will be involved in the planning and development of the area.
The BMX track will be available for public use. Ongoing trash can emptying will be facilitated by Community Services staff. The volunteers have solicited input on this development with the surrounding neighbours and generally report no objection to the development based upon the responses they have received.
This proposal was reviewed by the Community Services Advisory Committee and is endorsed by the Committee and Community Services staff.
In a letter to council community volunteers Genesee and Scott Boyd added, “There is a strong need and desire for the youth in this community to have a place to ride their bikes and not worry about traffic and unsafe road conditions. A group of parents within your community have raised this concern with the township and have mutually agreed that something can be done. The committee of parents have taken ownership of this project in regards to manpower and funding. In return, the township has identified a space for possible development.”
Councillor Mary Lloyd questioned the access to the property.
Documents state access will be via 95 Harper Crescent and Lloyd noted a number of trees had been planted in the area.
Detzler said, “We’ve committed to creating a known pathway” which will not affect existing trees.
Councillor Steven VanLeeuwen said he prefers seeing projects that have community support and added, “When you see this, it exciting.
“It looks pretty neat … I think I’m going to get myself a bike,” VanLeeuwen quipped.
Mayor Kelly Linton said the efforts made indicate flexibility of the township to move forward with a project in a safe way “… in a way that will benefit the kids.”
Councillor Don Fisher asked about ongoing maintenance of the park.
Detzler said volunteers intend to monitor the park and keep it in shape.
“Between township staff and volunteers it will be monitored and maintained regularly to ensure it is in a safe condition.”
He stressed that the site would be inspected at least once per week.
As for insurance issues, Detzler said they would be comparable to the existing skateboard park at the Centre Wellington Sportsplex on Belsyde Avenue.
He agreed the park will remain a township facility.
Detzler said there is no intent for the park to be used at dusk or in the dark and it “will be signed appropriately.”
Councillors subsequently approved the request from volunteers in the Harper Crescent neighbourhood to establish a beginner BMX track in Harper Park.
In a later email to the Wellington Advertiser Detzler explained there are plans for a meeting with the volunteers in the next few weeks.
“From there we will establish a timeline. As far as costs, the costs to establish the BMX track will be through the volunteers and the donations of time, material and labour they have been able to attract.”
