RIDING HIGH

A cost-effective pump track with low environmental impact reactivates a popular Townsville community park.

Parkitect Australia, exclusive importer and distributor of the multi-award-winning European Modular Pumptrack system for all ages and all wheels, delivers flexible and versatile pump track solutions for public and commercial recreation spaces across Australia and New Zealand.

The company’s recent installation of its patented system with proprietary high-grip riding surface in the city of Kelso in Townsville, was the crowning touch on the much anticipated Charles Moroney Park upgrade.

Part of City of Townsville’s $433 million infrastructure plan for 2018/19, Charles Moroney Park received a new playground, barbecue and picnic areas, a fitness course, tennis court, dog agility equipment, upgraded sports fields and improved lighting, along with the Modular Pumptrack for bikes, scooters and skateboards.

“Park upgrades provide an important community space for local residents and families to connect, and also provide work for local firms to help create jobs,” said Cr Molachino of City of Townsville Council.

“This upgrade should improve facilities for residents of all ages from young children right through to grandparents.”

Community input was sought by Council on the project in order to ensure the best facilities at one of the area’s most popular public parks. One way to achieve this was the installation of equipment that would cater to a wide range of ages and abilities. The Modular Pumptrack system offered the fastest installation and most cost-effective solution to creating a safe and fun ride space for multigenerational users of varying skill levels.

A customisable system consisting of 11 precision-designed and engineered modules, the Modular Pumptrack system has the adaptability to create an extensive variety of configurations, each offering a different level of riding challenges. Putting multiple modules together creates the ideal geometry for a progressive track that can be used by bikes, scooters and skateboards year round. Track designs are unlimited!

Made of precast concrete, the pump track at Charles Moroney Park was designed as an inclusive play space, with the perfectly engineered modules guaranteeing rider safety regardless of their skill level. The planned geometry of the track creates free and easy ride momentum to enhance the rider experience, and the track’s durable concrete surface makes for a truly sustainable, low-maintenance solution for the community asset — something every council loves!

Another aspect of the Modular Pumptrack system valued by Council was its moveability. The modular nature of the track means it remains mobile and can be moved, reconfigured or upgraded as needed. Moulded into the terrain of Charles Moroney Park, the track was easy to install and didn’t require additional engineering or design, making it an easy fit for Council’s budget and space allocation. In addition, the track’s low-rise profile means it blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape and forms an accessible space for spectators.

A safe option for riders from inexperienced to advanced, the Modular Pumptrack system has been tested and endorsed by some of the world’s leading ride champions, who rate its “ride flow” as one of the best they have ever experienced.

Given the community’s enthusiastic use of the Modular Pumptrack installed in Charles Moroney Park, this track system is a proven cost-effective, quick and easy way to deliver an on-trend activity that appeals to a wide demographic and provides outstanding health and wellbeing benefits for all participants.

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PROJECT PARTICULARS
Client City of Townsville
Location Kelso, Queensland
Playground Design Urban Play
Contractor JMac Constructions