Grant pays for new Kingsley bike trail in park

THE State Government has given a $46,700 Lotterywest grant to the City of Joondalup to go towards the construction of a ‘pump and jump’ bike trail in Kingsley.

Kingsley MLA Andrea Mitchell and Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard met at the Shepherd’s Bush Park site this week to discuss the project, which will include an upgrade of the existing BMX track to include two sets of dirt jumps with cast concrete take-offs.

The facility will also feature a return trail and pump track designed to challenge all bike types and riding abilities.

The City is contributing $22,000 to the project, which is part of an interconnected series of trails and paths linked to the recently upgraded Robertson Road cycleway – a 2.5km path that connects Yellagonga Regional Park trails to the Mitchell Freeway shared path and Greenwood train station.

Shepherd’s Bush Park is considered one of the City’s top five conservation areas and the City will erect signs to promote its natural features.

Mr Pickard said the City would continue to work with the State Government and stakeholders to improve the bike-riding culture in Joondalup, particularly among young people.

“The State Government is to be congratulated for contributing significant funds towards this outstanding project,” he said

“The ‘pump and jump’ trail will encourage more young people to get active and participate in activities that support a healthy lifestyle.

“Joondalup is lucky to have such a large, active and engaged youth population and it’s important that we provide them with a chance to participate in fun and challenging activities like this in a safe and supportive environment.

“The City has provided the community with a well- planned project that considers the important interaction between people using bikes, walking and people undertaking other forms of recreational activity.”

The trail is expected to be finished by November.