Bike Park gets its benches

Ian Porteous, back left, Sarah and Hayden Gibson stand with Whanganui Intermediate pupils Ella Cairncross, Anna Bullock, and Emily Ross after completion of their benches for the Community Bike Park.

Contributions from Whanganui people of all ages are helping the progress of the Community Bike Park on London St.

Relying on volunteer time and labour, it has been a challenge to get the first stage of the bike park completed, however a recent funding application to the Four Regions Trust was successful with the Trust matching the community's donations of $40,000.

"This cash injection will help speed up the development of the senior pump track in the New Year," said a press release from Sport Whanganui.

Both Sport Whanganui and the Whanganui Mountain Bike Club have been "overwhelmed" with the $40,000 worth of labour and material that was raised locally.

"This park would never happen without the wonderful support from our community," said Community Sport Manager Jodie Brunger.

"Whanganui Intermediate and Mitre 10 Mega are a perfect example of this."

Mitre 10's Whanganui owners Sarah and Hayden Gibson partnered with the intermediate to help create some "stunning" park benches.

"As part of their hard materials extension classes, Ella Cairncross, Anna Bullock and Emily Ross worked together with the support of their teacher Ian Porteous over five weeks to design and build four beautiful bench seats for the park."

Bullock said Porteous and principal Charles Oliver helped the students come up with a design "that was strong."

The Gibson's were delighted with the result.

"The girls have done an outstanding job, they should be very proud of their efforts."

Morrie Gibbons Signs has donated a billboard at the park to highlight all these community partners.

The junior track is already getting plenty of use, and it is hoped the senior track will help make this park come alive as a family friendly venue.

For more information about the park or to contribute in any way, please contact Brunger at the Sport Whanganui offices.