East Renfrewshire Council has given the green light to a new pump track in Overlee Park, and construction is now underway.
The project, a partnership between Netherlee and Stamperland Community Council and East Renfrewshire Council, will see the installation of an undulating asphalt track, similar to a skate park, which can be used by bikes, scooters, wheelchairs and skateboards, providing outdoor activities and exercise for all.
Funding for the track, totalling more than £360,000, was sourced 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 will be located between the existing sports pitches in Overlee Park at Stamperland, Clarkston, and will have motion-activated smart lighting designed to minimise light pollution and with a cut-off timer, which will limit availability later in the evenings. Access to the track will be free of charge and constriction is due to be complete in the autumn.
Environment and Housing Convener Councillor Danny Devlin said: “I am delighted that works have started for this fantastic new track in Overlee Park. We’re committed to providing our residents with high quality public spaces, and this pump track is yet another valuable addition to the free facilities available across East Renfrewshire. We want our communities to thrive and everyone to live well, and this project is testament to that.
“I’d like to thank Netherlee and Stamperland Community Council for their determination in getting this project across the line and I look forward to us continuing to work in partnership.”
Siobhan McGuinness, the Chair of Netherlee and Stamperland Council said: “Beginning construction on the pump track is a landmark moment for our community. After two and a half years of sustained effort, fundraising, and collaboration, we are proud to see this project move from planning into delivery.
This marks the start of a facility that will support active play, outdoor recreation, and healthier lifestyles for residents of all ages across the area. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to getting us to this stage and look forward to watching the track take shape in the months ahead.”
Chief Executive of sportscotland Forbes Dunlop said: “The Cycling Facilities Fund has had a transformational impact of Scotland’s cycling infrastructure with 33 completed projects and over 50 expected by the completion of the fund. It’s been very encouraging to see the number of people and clubs already using these facilities, access to the sport has been improved greatly for so many communities.
“This would not have been achieved without investment and lots of hard work from our local partners like East Renfrewshire Council. A new free to use pump track at Overlee Park will be hugely beneficial for the people of East Renfrewshire.”
The project has 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.
