By Renee Wood
The community’s being invited to help design a pump track for the former Coldstream Station site, which forms part of the master plan for the area which was adopted in October 2021.
Yarra Ranges Council is seeking feedback on the design, with the track to be made up of a circuit of rollers, banked turns and ‘features designed to be ridden by riders “pumping” to generate momentum’.
Bikes, scooters, skateboards and wheelchairs riders will be able to use the circuit to practice their skills, improve balance and speed.
Locals, bike enthusiasts and trail users can submit their ideas and designs to the council, with some already uploaded online.
James G has published his idea on the council’s website asking for more advanced designs.
“Pump tracks are great for beginner riders, but poorly built ones lack options for more advanced riders,” he wrote.
“I’d love to see a set of dirt jumps or some more challenging sections of trail built locally. Larger jumps can be be safe if built correct.”
However local residents have raised concerns around the flooding of the streets and potential lure of vandals.
Grah published their response on funding needed for Station Street Drainage.
“Maybe the money that is for this proposed pump track, can be put to better used, by instead, getting Storm Water drainage installed along Station Street to stop our properties flooding and having to lose our valuable assets,” they wrote.
“Also, is there going to be sufficient lighting, surveillance equipment or some police presence at this facility? The location is fairly private, and if there is lack of these options, it would provide a great incentive for vandalism or suspect behaviour. We don’t want that in our area.”
State and Federal funding has been put forward for the million dollar project which spans 2.7ha, that will also see timed public toilets, picnic shelter, chairs and tables, landscaping and a larger 30 space car park.
Some $40,000 of the funding will be going towards lighting for security lighting to car park, shelter and toilet area and additional security measures (potentially including cameras) will be considered.
Ryrie Ward Councillor, Fiona McAllister, said the project is a wonderful opportunity to deliver community benefits.
“Two of the major objectives in our Council Plan include building connected and healthy communities and building quality infrastructure and liveable places, which this project strongly aligns with,” Cr McAllister said.
“One thing that our community has made abundantly clear to us during the pandemic is just how highly they value local open space, so to be able to transform and activate an unused Coldstream Station into a place that can be used and enjoyed by all ages and abilities is really exciting.
The pump track will also connect with the Yarra Valley Trail.
“I strongly encourage the Coldstream community to share their ideas on what features and designs they would like to see for this new pump track,” she said.
Feedback closes Wednesday 13 April – for more information visit https://shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/coldstream-station-master-plan
