Brightwater’s BMX track is open

Brightwater’s new BMX track at Lord Rutherford Park is proving popular with locals just four weeks after its completion.

A team of passionate locals including track expert Ryan Smith who helped design Wakefield’s McGazzaland; Moutere/Waimea Ward councillor Dan Shallcrass who was also involved in McGazzaland; and Matt Stuart, a local father and chair of the Brightwater Community Association, have brought the idea into a reality.

“There’s been a pump track here for years, but it’s been neglected and needed a major upgrade,” Matt says.

“The upgrade is actually a new track that has been created with the help of Aspect Forestry who donated their machines and time to build the track physically.”

The track boasts three rows of bumps, humps, and jumps to suit all levels of riders from beginner to professional.

“The idea was to have somewhere kids can do laps and jumps to build confidence, while also having a more challenging dirt track for the older kids to enjoy using.” Although it has only been open for a few weeks, the track is proving popular and is being used daily by local children, teens, and families.

“There is more in the pipeline to improve the overall space, however with the dry weather we have been experiencing, for now, we are just focusing on setting the track with the help of the Brightwater Fire Brigade who have been spraying the track down with water.”

BMX biking isn’t just about defying gravity with jumps and mind-bending tricks, it’s very physical which helps build healthier bodies and minds, he says.

“Any opportunities that give our local kids and teens more opportunities to be independent, entertained, active, and fit, while increasing social interactions, is great for everyone,” Matt says.