Get ready, Wicklow! This weekend marks the grand opening of Ireland's longest pump track, a thrilling new addition to the town's recreational scene. This exciting project, located along the Murrough seafront, is a testament to community collaboration and a passion for outdoor activities.
The idea for this impressive track originated with John Kelly, a former Wicklow resident who, along with then-councillor Mary Kavanagh, spearheaded the initiative. It's a story of vision, persistence, and community spirit. But here's where it gets interesting: the project was born from a simple observation: John's children loved the skatepark, and he saw the potential for something more.
The Wicklow County Council and the Wicklow Town Team joined forces to make this vision a reality, securing funding under the Town & Village Renewal Scheme. Mary Kavanagh, reflecting on the project, shared, "I thought it was a great idea and an opportunity to turn some wasteland into something useful." With the support of the Wicklow County Partnership, Dave Shannon, and the Wicklow Town Team, the project gained momentum.
The pump track boasts an impressive design: a 200-meter main track, a 30-meter split line for more advanced riders, and a 50-meter kids' track, totaling 280 meters of riding fun. The construction was expertly handled by Velosolutions, known for their pump track expertise, including the Dodder Valley Park track in Dublin, which they claim is the largest full asphalt pump track in Ireland, spanning 1,300 square meters.
John Kelly, now residing in Madrid, has been kept in the loop and is thrilled to see his idea come to fruition. Mary Kavanagh also has a deeply personal connection to the project, as the track is located near the skatepark established by her late sister, Pat.
The pump track is set to open to the public at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 15th.
But here's a thought-provoking question: Do you think this project will inspire similar initiatives in other towns? Share your thoughts in the comments!
