New £50,000 BMX Track Opens

Wednesday 9 June 2010

BMX and cycling enthusiasts will be able to hone their skills at a purpose built £50,000 track in Coventry.

The circuit has been built at Coventry Sports Foundation’s Alan Higgs Centre on Allard Way, along with a new ‘natural’ play trail, and has opened for public use.

Coventry City Council won funding for the project after applying for a £50,000 grant from Play Builder, a scheme run by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, to build the two attractions.

The aim is to build on a recent surge in interest for all types of cycling and to encourage youngsters to be more active and agile.

The BMX track will complement the centre’s existing skate park, while the natural play trail has been built around the surrounding woods.

Raffaella Tentindo, from The Living Environment Trust, which undertakes the environmental management for Coventry Sports Foundation, said: “The new areas are fantastic and we’re thrilled to open both to the public.

“The BMX track will hopefully add to the success we have had with the skate park, and the natural play trail is a great environment for young people to play and develop their climbing and agility.

“BMX riding in particularly has seen a massive surge in interest since Beijing 2008 and the rise in profile of stars like Shanaze Reade. More people want to try the sport competitively, although there are plenty of people who just want a proper track to ride on and enjoy cycling.

“It’s also extremely important that young people have the opportunity to play and explore the natural environment, and the natural play trail will provide that interaction between children and the natural environment.

“Hopefully people will come and test them out soon, especially with the better weather, and both areas will become a fun place for people to learn and play.”

The natural play trail includes a rope walk, striding stilts, balance beam, zigzag stepper and a jungle climber.

A second £50,000 play area is due to open at another Coventry Sports Foundation managed site – the Xcel Leisure Centre – later this month.

An opening event for the areas will be held early in the summer.