Sale Lions Park pump track construction (stage 1 upgrade)

This consultation has now closed.

Sale pump track

Following community consultation early last year, Wellington Shire Council is seeking input into the pump track layout that is to be constructed at Lions Park in Sale. This will be the first stage of the redevelopment of Lions Park into a district level open space.

Former Rockley Tennis Courts - Lions Park Sale

Background

Council’s Public Open Space Plan 2014-2024 identified Lions Park as the only significant park in the northern area of Sale and an opportunity to provide District Level Open Space in the area. This is in line with Council’s Wellington 2030 vision and the current Council Plan. A key strategic objective of Wellington Shire Council is to maintain friendly, safe communities for residents to lead active and healthy lifestyles.

Consultation with residents in the area during 2020 supported the development of the reserve over a number of stages.

Stage 1 is to include the construction of an asphalt pump track just off Dawson Street (where the former Rockley Tennis Courts are located).

PUMP TRACK LOCATION

Lions Park (SALE) - pump track location

A pump track is designed in such a way that the user, be it mountain bike, BMX, scooter, and even roller blades does not need to push or pedal – it is all done on momentum.

The space will cater for all levels of experience, even the young or young at heart can start on the recommended beginner’s space and advance through as technical skills develop.

Through the support of the John Leslie Foundation, Common Ground - international track and trail builders have been appointed to design and construct the new pump track at Lions Park.

Common Ground has provided a design for the potential future expansion of the pump track should Council be able to secure funding. This year Wellington Shire Council will deliver approximately half of the design, but will use community response and detailed drawings to seek funding to expand the pump track to be the regions largest track.

Future stages (planned for 2025/26 and subject to the relocation of the athletics track) includes removal of the existing clubrooms, construction of a new public toilet, renewal and relocation of the existing playspace, a new BBQ shelter, gravel paths looping the reserve and the construction of ephemeral wetlands and conservation areas to increase urban biodiversity. These proposed upgrades are dependent on the relocation of the athletics track.

Track layouts & design notes

The location of the pump track has been selected based on the space and the potential to build onto the track in the future, should funding be secured.

The tracks would be joined by Australia’s first ever asphalt half pipe and bowl and will create a track of regional significance.

On all the track layouts, the BLUE line indicates the track section to be built, while the RED line indicates the potential track layout should the project expand.

Track layout 1

‍DESIGNER NOTES

Beginner, intermediate and advanced riders have all been considered in the two stages of this design. Key features include:

• Beginner loop
• Triple rollers
• Technical berm to berm section
• Large rest/entry area

Track layout 2

‍DESIGNER NOTES

This layout offers lots of different lines and transfer options. Other key features include:

• Flower berms
• Multiple rest platforms
• Back to back berms
• Double roller in he beginner loop

Track layout 3

‍DESIGNER NOTES

This layout offers a variety of transfer options and changes in direction, while still allowing for a beginners loop that can be ridden independent of the larger circuit. Other key features include:

• Larger rest platform
• Hipped roller
• Jump line
• Rollable double jump

How to have your say

Council is seeking your input into determining the layout of the track. Simply view the three track layouts, select which one you like and fill in the short survey below. The most popular track layout will then be constructed within the site early in the new year.

Consultation closed on 5pm on FRIDAY 19 MARCH 2021.

Should you have any questions in relation to the Lions Park upgrade project, please feel free to contact Council’s Open Space Planner on 1300 366 244, or via email to enquiries@wellington.vic.gov.au.

What happens next?

Once voting for the preferred layout closes, Common Ground will commence the detailed design and start work to construct the selected layout. These works are anticipated to take approximately 10 weeks to complete (weather pending).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pump track?

A pump track is a circuit of rollers, banked turns and features which can be ridden without pedalling, or pushing. A pump track can be ridden by mountain bikes, BMX, scooters, skateboarders…even rollerblades or roller skates.

Why is the track made out of asphalt?

While there are options for pump tracks to be constructed out of concrete and gravel, it was decided that from a rideable surface for bikes, scooters and skateboards, asphalt would be most cost effective.

Will the construction of the pump track impact the current use of the reserve?

No. The proposed works will be contained within the former Rockley Tennis Court area. Any vehicle access will not impede the current use of the reserve.

Why is Council building a pump track here?

The former Rockley Tennis Court site is situated close to primary and secondary schools and is already used to ride scooters and bikes.

What about more parking?

This project is not looking to increase parking along Dawson Street. There is a large area off McLachlan Street that is regularly used as a car park, with good connecting paths through the reserve to allow for any potential increase use of the reserve.

What additional items will be included as part of the project?

Common Ground will be landscaping the area and will include a number of trees that will one day create shade for spectators and users. Council will install a number of seats and a rubbish bin as part of the works.

Should additional funding be secured to assist in the delivery of future stages, Council will look to install a picnic shelter and tables in the area.

Will CCTV be included in the project?

Closed circuit television cameras are a tool used by Victoria Police to be able to monitor known hot spots where crime statistics support. While there is instances of minor vandalism, the construction of the pump track does not support the inclusion of CCTV. Should Victoria Police crime statistics change over the coming years, then this will be reviewed.