Work starts on Fenland's first BMX pump track in March

Construction will start this month and is expected to take around four weeks to complete (weather permitting), providing a fantastic new facility for riders of all ages and abilities.

Breaking ground on the new BMX pump track! Pictured at the site in West End Park, March, are (from left) Douglas Sawyer; March councillors, Cllr Jan French and Cllr Steve Count; Rob Harwin; Phil Hughes, Fenland District Council's Head of Leisure and Open Spaces; Cllr Peter Murphy, Fenland District Council's Portfolio Holder for Parks and Open Spaces, and Kevin Wilkins, Fenland District Council's Leisure and Open Spaces Contracts Manager.

The £100,000 project has been made possible thanks to £50,000 of funding from Mick George and £50,000 from the Youth Investment Fund.

It also comes following a dedicated campaign by community group, The Wheelz Project, who worked closely with local young people to bring the idea to life.

The track, which will be managed by Fenland District Council and be free to use, will provide an accessible space for riders to keep active, develop their skills and confidence, and enjoy the outdoors.

It will not only be suitable for BMX riders and other cyclists, but other wheeled sports too like skateboards, roller skates, scooters and wheelchairs.

An artist's impression of what the final BMX pump track will look like.

Cllr Jan French, Deputy Leader of Fenland District Council and town, district and county councillor for March, has been a big supporter of The Wheelz Project campaign.

"The campaign for a BMX pump track in March has been a long one, and I'm delighted to see it finally coming to fruition," she said. "It's fantastic to see investment in youth facilities that will give young people a safe and fun place to ride. We can't wait to see the track in use once it's completed."

Fellow district and county councillor for March, Cllr Steve Count, added: "This additional BMX pump track facility is excellent news for the young people of March. I've seen firsthand the dedication and effort that has gone into making this project a reality over many years.

"As our world continues to evolve, it's crucial that we continue to listen to and deliver what our residents want, beyond just the services we traditionally provide. So, this exciting project - just one of many improvements we're working on - will enhance community wellbeing and provide another great recreational option, ensuring our town remains a vibrant and enjoyable place for everyone."

Cambridgeshire County Council secured the funding for the project and is managing the project's development and construction.

Cllr Tom Sanderson, Chair of the Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: "All children and young people in our county deserve opportunities to thrive - this is an exciting moment for those in March and the wider Fenland area.

"The pump track will provide a much-needed recreational facility that encourages healthy outdoor activity and a lifelong interest in a sport. We're incredibly grateful to The Wheelz Project for their passion and hard work, and to Mick George and the Youth Investment Fund for making this possible."

Rob Harwin and Douglas Sawyer, two of the original members of The Wheelz Project, are excited to see work get underway.

Rob said: "Bikes have been a lifelong passion of mine, from BMX and dirt jumps to downhill mountain biking and motocross. At age 13, my participation in The Wheelz Project, which helped build the original skatepark, sparked a desire to create spaces for riders. For the past seven years, Doug and I have been working to revamp the old BMX track, ultimately developing the pump track concept. We believe this track will bring joy to riders of all ages, from toddlers on balance bikes to experienced enthusiasts. It will also promote fitness and mental wellbeing.

"Remembering the countless hours of enjoyment I had on the original track, I'm driven to provide similar opportunities for future generations. It's taken us a long time to get this far and we're really excited to see it finished."

Douglas added: "Biking in general, BMX and mountain biking have been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember; through these channels I've made some great friends and had some great times. I wanted others to experience this, and the BMX pump track was the ideal solution.

"Pump tracks can become gathering spots fostering a sense of community and encouraging riders of all skill levels to connect and ride together. As well as the social aspect of pump tracks there is also the chance of developing your skills and confidence in your abilities whilst having fun and exercising!"

A pump track is a circuit of rollers, banked turns and other features designed to be ridden by riders 'pumping' their bodies up and down to create momentum.

They are an increasingly popular way to exercise, while developing balance and handling skills in a safe environment, away from traffic and other dangers.

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March 2025