Locals are loving their new pump track

A new looping trail for bikers and skaters called a ‘pump track’ is fast becoming a focal point for local people thanks to partnership working between Midlothian Council and the North Middleton community.

Money from developer contributions

The council approached Moorfoot Community Council for help in deciding how best to spend £76,000 of developer contributions for children’s outdoor play equipment for the local area.

Community decision

Community councillors, along with residents Louisa Wilson and Sarah Anderson, asked local people who agreed a pump track for young and older children in the local park would be ideal.

Popular hang out

Sarah Anderson said: “The pump track is a huge success. Come along most days after school and at weekends and you’ll find young people of all ages and often mums and dads having a catch up and a go on their mountain bikes. You don’t even have to have a bike, scooter or skates – some of the younger ones just love having a run around on it. Local people are just really enjoying the track because it’s been designed in such a way that it’s fun and challenging whatever your ability.”

A shared goal

Cllr Dianne Alexander, Midlothian Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for green spaces, said “It’s great to see the council and the local community working to achieve a shared goal that benefits local young people. This is a fantastic addition to the park. The pump track means the park can be used by a greater number and a wider range of young people while supporting healthy lifestyles.”

Help from council staff

The council’s Landscape and Countryside Service specified what the work entailed and invited tenders.

Local contractor

Architrail Velosolutions won the contract using its own local contractor based in Galashiels.

For all ages and abilities

A detailed design was agreed which allowed a wide range of bikers to enjoy the track, including those with a disability.

Quick turnaround

The contract took 6 weeks to complete.

Great fun

At a visit to the track with Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Connor McManus, Cllr Alexander added: “I can see exactly why people are meeting up at the pump track. It looks like great fun and I’m sure it will be even more popular as the weather continues to improve.”

In the picture

Left to right are: Midlothian Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for green spaces, Cllr Dianne Alexander, Robert, 7, Sarah Anderson, Douglas, 8, Neil Wilson, Fiona, 6,  Cabinet Member for health and wellbeing Cllr Connor McManus, Logan, 9, James Kinch of Midlothian Council’s Landscape and Countryside Service, Chris Todd, Charlie, 7, and Kara, 9.