Ballarat’s growing ranks of BMXers and skaters can now take their riding to the next level thanks to the completion of a new BMX pump track complete with skate elements, the latest new sport and recreation facilities to open at the fast-developing Strengthening Wendouree Community Recreation Precinct.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison today joined representatives of the Ballarat City Council to officially open the new pump track, just one of several sports facilities that are being constructed at the reserve, thanks to the Victorian Government’s $7 million Local Sports Grants investment.

The new 250 square-metres of track is designed to be ridden completely by pumping instead of pedalling or pushing and comes complete with berm to berm, spine berm, and tabletop features suitable for beginner and intermediate BMXers and skaters.

The track is part of an outdoor youth space development underway at the precinct with a street soccer zone, new community hub and sports clubrooms coming soon.

The new track will complement the recently completed three football pitches for local clubs like the Forest Rangers Soccer Club.

Between two of the new pitches, there’s a new synthetic cricket wicket that provides a home competition and training venue for the North Ballarat Cricket Club.

New pitch lighting is also on the way, which will provide the perfect base for these clubs to extend training times and stage night competition.

Other new facilities coming to the reserve include a new female friendly pavilion for local football, as well as spaces for the Wendouree Neighbourhood Centre, Ballarat YMCA Youth Programs, and new Men’s Shed including ReCranked Youth Shed.

The Victorian Government has invested more than $1.1 billion in community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014.

From playspace redevelopments to pavilion upgrades, investments like these provide high-quality and accessible places for Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation participation.

They are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and fast-tracking community recovery by improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.

Ms Addison acknowledged the Ballarat City Council, Wendouree Neighbourhood Centre, Forest Rangers Soccer Club, YMCA, North Ballarat Cricket Club and Wendouree Men’s Shed for their support of the project.

For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit sport.vic.gov.au/grants-and-funding/our-grants.

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“The new pump track is a fantastic addition to the Wendouree West Rec Reserve. It will provide hours of free fun for the local community and further enhance the Reserve as an important hub for Wendouree.”