Signs right for Ūawa pump track

A proposed pump track at Ūawa/Tolaga Bay would be similar to the newly opened version at Gisborne’s Alfred Cox Park (pictured), but would be smaller. Picture by Ben Cowper.

A new pump track could be on the cards for Ūawa/Tolaga Bay, dependent on funding and a council lease being finalised.

Tairāwhiti Adventure Trust was the driving force behind a new $3 million skate park being opened at Gisborne’s Alfred Cox Park last year along with a pump track across the road.

Now it is looking to continue its mission of increasing recreational facilities across the region by establishing a $240,000 pump track up the Coast.

Yesterday council’s operations committee signalled its intentions to lease land at Ūawa for 11 years with two rights of renewal.

The pump track would be similar to the one located at Alfred Cox Park, but smaller, the council report said.

Tairāwhiti Adventure Trust has sought external funding for the pump track — an asphalted area with banked corners that allow users to build up momentum without having to push or pedal — for which it will be asset owner and manager.

The track would be established at the skate park reserve with the lease granted on the basis it is available for all users without charge.

In preparation for the project, Tairāwhiti Adventure Trust has already begun engagement with tamariki and rangatahi for its design.

The council must first change the land’s purpose to a recreation reserve before approving a notification of its intent to lease the land.

If any objections were received during the 30- day notification period, they would be heard by a hearing panel.

Yesterday councillors also voted to progress Tairāwhiti Adventure Trust’s application to occupy space at Alfred Cox Park on Friday evenings for the purpose of a food truck.

The council will now publicly notify its intent to grant the licence for occupation at the site.