Seaspray pump track and Stratford skatepark, now called the Stratford Youth Play Precinct, are ready for action, with crews having recently completed construction and upgrades of the local athletic parks.
Last July, following extensive community consultation, Wellington Shire Council unanimously approved a $150,000 pump track for Seaspray, with $100,000 of the project funded by the federal government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and $50,000 contributed by the Seaspray Foreshore Reserve Committee of Management.
While some work, such as landscaping, seating, and general beautification, remains to be done, the new tracks are complete and ready for use, attracting dozens of eager riders on opening day last weekend.
Taking her two daughters, Ella, 10, and Charlotte, 8, to try out Seaspray’s latest instalment on opening day, Seaspray resident Jo Francis said the pump track was already a hit with local children.
“Personally, I think the pump track creates a lovely vibe, and it’s already been great to see the local kids meeting one another at the track, making new friends and smiling, all while they’re doing something active,” Jo said.
“It’s good for all age kids and for getting the whole community together,” Ella said.
“It was so much fun, and I made some new friends when we were all riding together,” Charlotte added.
Rodney Curtis, a Sale College PE teacher and Seaspray resident, applauded the latest investment, believing the pump track provides numerous benefits to the local community.
“I really applaud the Wellington Shire for investing in infrastructure in some of the smaller towns in a way that encourages physical activity,” Rodney said.
“It was amazing to see so many kids of all ages gather at the track throughout the long weekend and to see how they supported each other as they all gained confidence on their bikes.
“I particularly loved seeing the teenagers cheer on the younger kids and encouraging them to give it a go when they were a bit nervous.
“I think the pump track is a particularly great option at Seaspray because when it’s blowing a gale on the beach and it’s no good for swimming, now the kids can still be active on the foreshore.”
Rodney’s five-year-old son Ted was among the first to test Seasapray’s new pump track last weekend.
“The pump track is awesome,” Ted said.
“I used it with my bike and my scooter, and it was fun riding on it with all the other kids too. Now I just need a proper BMX so I can do proper jumps.”
Ten-year-old Seaspray Primary School student Jack Reid has already spent several hours at the Seaspray pump track since its opening last weekend and is loving the new park.
“I think it is amazing, and it is really fun to go around all the swerves,” Jack said.
“People can go down there anytime they like with their bike or scooter and meet up with friends.
“I like the fact that it is right near the Seaspray General Store, so we can go across and buy some food while we’re scooting, and it’s also near the public toilets and playground, which is also great.”
Seaspray Primary School principal Karen Smyth said the local children have been anticipating the opening of the pump track, which will provide considerable benefits to the Seaspray youth with the young people of the community having a place to meet and actively participate in an activity that is good for their mental, physical and social health.
“The local children have been so excited about the new pump track, they have been organising to meet one another after school down at the track; my own children from Sale are excited to come and give it a go too,” Ms Smyth said.
“Children of this generation spend so much time in front of screens that any opportunity for them to be active is really important.
“Being active is good for their physical health, but it is also a great opportunity to connect socially and build good relationships with other local children.
“The fact that it is local and they don’t have to travel to get to it is a huge bonus for our Seaspray children.
“Most other after-school activities are only offered in the bigger towns that they need to travel to.”
About half the children at Seaspray Primary School have tested the new pump track, with students set to partake in a local excursion on Thursday, March 30 to check out the Seaspray Historical Signboard Walk and have a go at the track.
The Stratford Skate Park also recently opened after receiving extensive upgrades to the original 2008 construction.
