About

Project GOAL: The goal of the Ayr Pump Track Committee is to have a permanent, free to use, multi-use, asphalt pump track constructed in a central location within the town of Ayr. We are targeting a size of 15,000 sq ft and roughly 200m in length. A track of this size would support a large number of users at one time and would offer more design flexibility to make it challenging enough for an expert yet safe enough for beginners. 

What is a Pump Track?

A pump track is designed for all things on wheels. From mountain bikes to BMX’s, skateboards and even wheelchairs, a pump track is a playground for all wheels. By combining rolling jumps with turns they are accessible for all. Teaching the basic skills of carrying momentum, balance and speed by using your arms and legs to pump your bike/board/scooter around the track. As you get better the tracks are designed to provide more challenges for you with no changes to the construction. A feature that a 5-year-old can roll through can be used as a gap jump for a more advanced rider. 

A high-quality Pump Track would serve as a near destination for rural families and friends as well as bringing users to our community from a wide area. A facility like this would promote an inclusive recreation outlet for a wide user group and add to the existing outdoor sports fields and complexes already in our community. Ayr would become a recreation destination within the Region of Waterloo. 

Why do we need a pump track?

• Pump tracks promote healthy, active, outdoor lifestyles

• Pump tracks are used in a variety of ways including skateboarding, BMX biking, inline skating, scooter riding and even wheelchairs!

• Pump tracks offer recreational opportunities for groups that can be difficult to serve (i.e. not everyone enjoys traditional team sports; it offers a low cost option for those who prefer self-directed individual sport; and makes it accessible to everyone)

• Pump tracks offer a safe place for people to enjoy riding their skateboards, bike, scooters, etc.  They draw youth away from less appropriate areas

• Pump tracks have a long season for use – they can be ridden as long as they are free from snow and ice

•  Once built, pump tracks require very little maintenance and have a long service life

Pump track’s have a very low barrier to entry. Most kids/ youth/ adults have a bike, scooter, skateboard, etc and helmet. Pump tracks are easy to use and require no special skills to get started. The facility would be free to use and operated as a park space by the township. Pump tracks have no registration or league fees unlike the other common sport options:

Hockey $670 - 28 weeks

Soccer $150 - 12 weeks

Baseball $110 - 12 weeks

Gymnastics $350 - 12 weeks

Pump Track FREE - LIFETIME

Location: The Pump Track Committee is proposing Schmidt Park. This park is central to the largest population density of Ayr and would maximize usage. Schmidt Park also features 2 baseball diamonds, 3 tennis courts, an accessible playground, covered pavilion, washrooms and parking. It is adjacent to the Cedar Creek Public School. The location is not yet finalized by the township and a township staff report on possible locations/ recommendations is pending.  

Demand:

North Dumfries Township hired outside consultants Monteith & Brown to prepare a report on the community’s recreation, cultural, natural and programming offerings. The report is an evidenced-based plan to ensure that it is responsive to community needs and used to plan the 10 year recreation forecast. The pump track project was included in the analysis and report that was released April 2022. A pump track was the 3rd most requested parks & recreation opportunity!

The Master Plan Report recommended in favour of constructing a pump track and it was identified with suggested timing of 2022-2024 (ASAP).

The official recommendation was: “Support the development of a community-level pump track at Schmidt Park, contingent upon securing external funding through grants and willing partners to assist with fundraising efforts.”

The Ayr Pump Track Committee is the willing partner, experienced in fundraising, highly motivated and has been advocating for a pump track since 2019.

Cost:

North Dumfries Township has included the pump track project in its 10 year capital projects forecast. The budget breakdown is as follows: 

Budget Breakdown:

- $569,756 Total

- $410,226 Construction (site prep; importation of soil; coarse granular, asphalt, construction)

- $102,555 Geotechnical / Design / Contract Administration / Soil Testing

- $56,975 Project Contingency (to cover potential overages)

Municipal Funding 12%: $68,371

Fundraising 88%: $501,385