The new pump track in Overlee Park has officially opened, with the local community ready to roll on the fantastic new facility.
The project, a partnership between Netherlee and Stamperland Community Council and East Renfrewshire Council, has seen installation of an undulating asphalt track, similar to a skate park, which can be used by bikes, scooters, adapted wheelchairs and skateboards, providing outdoor activities and exercise for all.
More than £360,000 of funding was secured from sportscotland, the East Renfrewshire Renewable Energy Fund and the Scottish Government Place Based Investment Programme, as well as the Council’s capital funding and generous donations from the local community.
The track, which is free to use, sits between the existing sports pitches in Overlee Park and benefits from motion-activated smart lighting designed to minimise light pollution and a cut-off timer, which will limit availability later in the evenings.
East Renfrewshire Council Leader Owen O’Donnell said: “I am delighted to see this fantastic new pump track now open in Overlee Park. We are committed to providing our residents with high-quality public spaces, and this facility is another valuable addition to the free recreational opportunities available across East Renfrewshire.
“We want our communities to thrive and for everyone to have the opportunity to live well, and this project is testament to that commitment. The track is already helping put local people on the right track to being more active, building confidence and enjoying the outdoors.
“My thanks go to Netherlee and Stamperland Community Council for their determination and dedication in helping bring this project to fruition. Their partnership with our Economic Development team and their support has been instrumental in getting this initiative over the finish line, and I look forward to continuing to work together for the benefit of our communities.”
Siobhan McGuinness, the Chair of Netherlee and Stamperland Council said: “This is a proud moment for our community. What started as a conversation and a shared ambition has become a fantastic new facility that will benefit local people for years to come.
This project demonstrates what can be achieved when communities, partners and funders work together behind a common goal. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported the project and helped turn the vision into reality.
The pump track will create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get active, build confidence, develop skills and enjoy the outdoors. Most importantly, it will be a place where people come together, form friendships and create lasting memories. We look forward to seeing it become a well-used and valued part of the community for many years to come.”
Chief Executive of sportscotland Forbes Dunlop said: “The impact of the Cycling Facilities Fund has been huge, it has been transformational for Scotland’s cycling infrastructure.
“It is fantastic to see the new pump track at Overlee Park open. I’d like to thank everyone working on the project, they have shown a real commitment to ensuring sporting opportunities are protected and increased in East Renfrewshire.”
The project received £100,000 from the Cycling Facilities Fund. The £8m fund, is jointly administered by sportscotland and Scottish Cycling and was made possible through a £4m commitment from Scottish Government and £4m from sportscotland through National Lottery funds.
