The Buderim region is gearing up for an exciting new sports project, but before it progresses, the community is being asked to help choose the best spot for it.
Sunshine Coast Council is on the hunt for a suitable location for a pump track in Buderim and is urging local residents and the wider community to have a say on where it should go.
The proposed new project was made possible with $100,000 allocated towards its construction in council’s 2023-24 Budget.
Council have pinpointed two potential locations on the north side of Buderim to further investigate for the project. The two spots are Cumberland Way Park and Forestwood Drive Park.
Forestwood Drive Park is a 1.7-hectare local recreation park with access from Forestwood Drive and Wises Road. The park has a playground, basketball court, walking/scooter/bike loop and open lawn areas and is close to local bus routes.
Cumberland Way Park is a 1.3-hectare local recreation park on Cumberland Way. The park has a playground, walking paths, seats and open lawn areas and is near local shops and public transport routes.
A council spokesperson said in developing the organisation’s Recreation Parks Plan 2021, the Buderim community indicated that they would like to see more informal sport opportunities for teenagers and young adults in the area.
“After reviewing the feedback and assessing the existing informal sport opportunities in the area, council identified Buderim as an ideal location for a pump track,” the spokesperson said.
A pump track is a path for wheeled sports equipment that requires minimal pedalling or pushing and relies on a “pumping” action to maintain momentum.
Originally designed for mountain bike and BMX users, the use of different surfaces such as concrete and bitumen has allowed scooter, skateboard and skate users to also enjoy using the tracks.
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Sunshine Coast Kids founder Michelle, who preferred to only be known by her first name, said the project would bring several benefits for not only the kids of Buderim, but also the greater community.
“The pump track will serve as a public venue where kids of all ages can enjoy wheeled sports activities such as biking, skateboarding, and scootering,” she said.
“It will offer a safe and accessible space for kids to have fun, socialise, and engage in physical exercise. It will also help children build their bike handling skills and improve their overall coordination and balance.
“Overall, the project will create an exciting and inclusive environment for the kids of the region to enjoy outdoor activities and develop new friendships.”
The project will also help riders build bike handling skills including cornering, weighting and unweighting the bike and jumping.
It also assists riders in learning how to build momentum without pedalling. These skills can then be used in other biking activities such as mountain biking.
Like skate parks, pump tracks are accessible to almost anyone and for all ability levels.
“Riding on pump tracks is also a fun way to exercise with friends and family and is a great activity for the whole family,” the council spokesperson said.
Michelle said the Sunshine Coast Kids organisation was thrilled about the new project and the prospect of more kid-friendly facilities in the region.
“The project aligns perfectly with our team’s passion for promoting the region’s offerings to both locals and visiting families,” she said.
“With the addition of the pump track, the Sunshine Coast continues to solidify its position as a premier destination for family-friendly experiences.”
She encouraged the Buderim community to weigh in on the pump track location.
“This allows the community to be actively involved in the decision-making process,” she said.
“By seeking input from the community, the Sunshine Coast Council ensures that the chosen location aligns with the needs and preferences of the residents. This promotes a sense of ownership and inclusivity among the community members.”
To have a say on the location of the Buderim pump track, complete the online survey here, before 5pm, September 29.
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