Shirley pump track gets green light

One boy's dream of creating a new place for kids to scoot, bike and skate in Shirley has moved a big step closer to reality.

The Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board has approved a landscape plan for a temporary modular pump track to be installed at 10 Shirley Road (Shirley Community Reserve), the former home of the Shirley Community Centre.

In making its decision at a recent meeting, the board considered community feedback on the proposal which was, overall, extremely positive.

There was 84 per cent support for the landscape proposal and 60 per cent support for locating the table in the suggested position.

The plan was sparked a year ago by a petition presented to the community board by Shirley Primary School pupil Shannon Smith, now 12 and at Chisnallwood Intermediate, who wanted a skate, scooter and bike park to be set up at McFarlane Park.

Christchurch City Council staff investigated McFarlane Park but found it wasn't viable because of noise, space and access issues.

Instead, the Council developed plans to use Shirley Community Reserve for the project.

Shannon, who enjoys riding his bike, scooter and skateboard, spoke in support of the proposal at last week’s meeting and is happy with the board's decision.

“It came from a small idea last year, we were just joking around and then I started talking to other people and getting it organised and I went to the [community] board. It’s not just me, it’s everyone that’s been supporting me as well.”

He says kids need a place to scoot, skate and bike in their neighbourhood.

“There’s one [skate park] at Washington Park but it’s ages away and we’re trying to reduce the number of cars we use.

“We wanted a park that would be good for everyone, not just intermediate kids, we want it for primary and pre-schoolers just so everyone can enjoy it.”

Papanui-Innes Community Board Chair Ali Jones says the encouraging comments received during the consultation process were “really heartwarming”, and parents and children had captured a sense of positivity and progress.

“It is clear that the majority of those who submitted want this to happen, and soon,” she says. “We are not going to please all of the people all of the time however the positive feedback has been wonderful.”

The board is keen for the local community, including local schools, to be involved in any way possible as the project progresses, Ms Jones says.

The 48 metre track will be temporary so it can be moved to different sites, keeping future options open for the Shirley Community Reserve.

Pump tracks have bumps and bends that allow bikers, skateboarders, scooter riders and roller skaters to accelerate around the track without pedalling. The one planned for the reserve is designed by Park-Life and is made up of sections that connect together.

Along with the track, there will be a multi-purpose concrete table (that can be used for table tennis or picnics) and two bench seats installed nearby.

The Council is working towards the track being ready for public use by the end of January 2020.