An increasingly popular new activity is coming to a Merseyside park
Wirral Council is planning a ‘pump track’ in Central Park in Liscard, with the hope it will attract more young people to the area.
Pump tracks are continuous circuits of banked turns and features that do not require pedalling and they can be used by cyclists, skateboarders and scooter riders of all ages.
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They can be used in different ways to suit all ages and abilities, from complete beginners through to experienced riders.
Pump tracks are becoming increasingly popular and help people to develop their fitness, skills and co-ordination as they teach you to use the ground to generate speed.
It is proposed this new attraction will be located in the sunken former rose garden which was chosen due to its visibility and accessible location in the centre of the park.
Wirral Council said the pump track is a key part of the Liscard Town Centre Action Plan, aimed at giving young people more things to do.
The plan has been funded by a £1m grant given to Wirral by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) Mayoral Town Centre Fund.
Liscard and New Ferry were nominated by Wirral Council to receive investment from the fund, which was set up to improve the region’s town and district centres.
Cllr Tony Jones, chair of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration and Development Committee, said: “This pump track will be a great new addition to Central Park.
"It’s an important part of our plans to provide more recreational activities for young people in Liscard and nearby areas, and our wider efforts to regenerate the town."
The Labour councillor added: “We want to make sure we design a track the way our local young people want it, so we’re keen to hear from everyone who’s interested to help choose the final design.”
Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Getting town centres and high streets in all parts of our region back on the up has been a priority for me since I was first elected.
"During my first term, I launched a £6m Mayoral Town Centre Fund, which is benefitting communities like Liscard through projects like this.
“I know that town centres across the country are facing an existential crisis and the pandemic has only made that worse.
"But I’m committed to helping reimagine and regenerate these spaces and put them back at the heart of our community. Everyone should have a vibrant local high street that is a hub for people to meet, eat, shop and socialise.”
People are being urged to have their say on the final design of the pump track.
On Wednesday, July 28, you can visit the park to have a look at the design options.
The plans are also available online here, with a survey running until August 13.
A planning application will be put forward later this year.
Do you think Central Park needs a pump track? Let us know in the comments
