Mountain bike and BMX track will be developed in Omarama as part of a plan by the community to develop more facilities for young people, particularly when the population increases dramatically during holidays.
Plans have been prepared for a $45,000 triangular pump track behind the playground next to the Omarama Hall on State Highway 83 near the town centre and funding has been sourced from the Waitaki District Council's parks and reserves account for the Waitaki Valley.
The final cost of the track would depend on the cost of materials, including about 500cu m of clean dirt needed to shape the mounds and jumps.
Ahuriri Community Board chairman Craig Dawson said the site was on a former sports ground and the shape of the track left plenty of scope for future development.
"The idea of the track fits in with the community visioning project last year, as well as the community's desire to provide more facilities for young people to be active, both locals and visitors." he said.
Work on the track would start as soon as organisers were able to source the materials needed.
The pump-track design is based on the Wanaka track and another one being formed at Hawea Flat. It allows riders of BMX or mountain bikes to pump between features to gain speed.
That style of track is becoming popular because a rider can develop skills on a well-planned design.
It is also suitable for multiple users and can be used for racing.
The estimate of the cost of the project is influenced by finding a supply of clean dirt for the track. There is little available in the Omarama-Twizel area and it may have to be transported from elsewhere, increasing the cost of materials.
Mr Dawson said attempts were being made to find a suitable source.
