A new cycle pump track and skate park has opened in Droitwich following years of campaigning for the facility by residents.
Both facilities sit beside the town leisure centre car park and form part of a £600,000 investment by Wychavon District Council, creating a space for activity and recreation for people of different ages and abilities.
The official opening event will be in 2027 but the facilities are available to use straight away.
Alex Keeling-Morgan is the owner of The Cycle Studio in Redditch, and was using the pump track on its first day on Monday.
He said: “Amazing for the community, great to get all the kids out on all the wheeled implements they get to use, nice investment for the town really.
“First initial run-round was pretty cool, nice and smooth, (although) the weather conditions could be better.”
The facility will be officially opened next year (Image: Wychavon District Council)
Oliver Jones works as a salesperson at The Cycle Studio, he added: “Also you shouldn’t forget about middle-aged men who like to sneak out of work and ride at lunchtime.
“These things are all around the country but there is a bit of a blank area around the West Midlands, so it’s nice to see more popping up.”
The project has been delivered after public demand and a campaign led by residents, including Alex Pedlow.
He said: “It seemed like a long way off when we started to campaign for this and people told us not to bother, but we stuck at it and it’s great to see the progress being made.
“This is going to be a great facility for Droitwich Spa, particularly for the town’s young people.”
Designed specifically for Droitwich Spa by ON TRACK, the pump track includes rolling humps, slopes and banked turns in a loop circuit for riders of all abilities.
Its layout is intended to challenge users as they move around the circuit, using changes in height and direction rather than a flat route.
The neighbouring skate park has been designed and installed by Maverick Skateparks in a flowing street style.
It includes banks, transitions, ledges and halfpipes for skateboarders, BMX riders, scooter users and inline skaters.
Dragon Play & Sports is overseeing the project. The company has more than 30 years’ experience creating community play spaces and sports facilities.
Cllr Richard Morris, leader of Wychavon District Council, said: ““I’m proud we’ve invested in creating this fantastic space where people of all ages and abilities can get active, develop their skills and have fun.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has helped bring this project to life, especially local residents whose passion and determination have played such an important part in making it happen.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating the official opening next year, but in the meantime, I hope everyone enjoys making the most of these fantastic new facilities.”
Further planned work by the council includes upgrades to the leisure centre, a revamped Droitwich Spa Lido and the development of a new health corridor.
