HUNDREDS of youngsters swarmed Wellington Recreation Ground on Saturday morning (September 25) for the official opening of the town’s £175,000 pumptrack.

Wellington Mayor Cllr Mark Lithgow declared the track open by cutting an inner tube of a bicycle tyre, rather than the traditional ribbon.

Mayor Cllr Mark Lithgow declares the track open by aptly cutting through the inner tube of a bicycle tyre.
Mayor Cllr Mark Lithgow declares the track open by aptly cutting through the inner tube of a bicycle tyre. (PHOTO: Iain’s Photography)

He said: “I am very happy that the town council have been able to work with the many people who had the vision to make the pump track a reality. I was delighted to see so many people enjoying this new facility and help each other to get the most out of the pump track.”

A festival atmosphere was created for the opening with bike marking, repair, and maintenance pods manned by On Your Bike and The Bicycle Chain, youth service stalls by In The Mix and Taunton Monday Night Skate.

Crowds of bike, skateboard and scooter fans waiting patiently for their turn to try out the pumptrack.
Crowds of bike, skateboard and scooter fans waiting patiently for their turn to try out the pumptrack. (PHOTO: Iain’s Photography)

Project Officer the Wellington Town Council, Helen Acreman, added: “It was great to see so many people of all ages at the opening of the pump track on Saturday.

“There was a positive buzz and the track was in use by many throughout the rest of the day as well. I'm proud to be part of the team that delivered this for the town.”

Starting them off young with a first spin on the new pumptrack.
Starting them off young with a first spin on the new pumptrack. (PHOTO: Iain's Photography)

A professional riding demonstration was then put on by contractors Clark and Kent, which built the track in less than 10 weeks.

A spokesperson for Clark and Kent said: “After all the planning, groundwork, shaping, surfacing, and finishing, there is nothing better than seeing a new facility come alive, full of riders of all ages putting it through its paces and enjoying every inch of it.

A festival atmosphere at the trackside as all ages try out the new track which took 10 weeks to construct.
A festival atmosphere at the trackside as all ages try out the new track which took 10 weeks to construct. (PHOTO: Iain's Photography)

“A brilliant event, a fantastic turnout, and a great way to officially hand the track over to the community.

“Thanks to everybody who came along, rode, watched, and helped make the day such a success.

The bumps and curves of the track provided great fun for some remote-controlled trucks.
The bumps and curves of the track provided great fun for some remote-controlled trucks. (PHOTO: Iain's Photography)

“Built to ride. And yesterday, Wellington certainly did.”