On the right track

There will soon be a pump track at Leithfield Beach Reserve.

What is a pump track? It's a looped sequence of rollers and swoopy banked berms designed for bikes, and if you ride it right you work with your momentum and don't need to pedal.

Leithfield Beach residents Christine and Paul James have had a vision of creating a fun activity at the Reserve in memory of their son Aaron, who died in a motor vehicle accident in Waikuku in 2014.

Aaron was a very keen BMX rider and skater.

"If it had wheels, he was into it," said Christine, who is thrilled that a memorial for their son will soon be a reality.

The James family has lived in the Leithfield area for 40 years, and encouraging other local youngsters to enjoy biking and skating is something Aaron would have embraced.

"This is something he would have been really pleased to see."

The Leithfield Beach community has successfully raised $19,034 in the past 12 months through garage sales, donations from the Leithfield Hotel and Leithfield Lions, and a big community raffle which raised $2000 alone.

The James family will be donating $5000.

Jacky Ellis is chairperson of Leithfield Beach Residents Association (LBRA), and is particularly proud of the hard work by everyone so far.

The aim is to have the pump track in before winter, it will be built next to the Community Centre by the basketball hoop, tennis court and playground.

Jacky says this will be a great option for children, teens and adults.

"It's a great extra activity for wheels, to compliment the cycle track that links the village to the beach."

LBRA is currently awaiting to hear if it's application to Rata Foundation for $38,500 was successful, a great help towards the $45,000 cost for asphalting the track.

Jacky is very grateful to locals who have will donate time and materials, and one local will be donating a small half pipe to go next to the track.

"We have done pretty darn good to get where we have already."

Extras like outdoor furniture and planting have not yet been accounted for, but the community knows its heading in the right direction.

"We are determined this is going to happen."

FUNDRAISING DINNER, FEBURARY 18th.

On Saturday February 18th LBRA is holding a fundraising dinner for the track, a 'night of good fun and food with a difference.'

Held at the Leithfield Beach Community Centre, the evening will include a 'Rude Food' three course meal, a drink on arrival, a raffle and spot prizes.

A strictly R18 night, tickets are $75.00 each and limited to 50.

Call or text Chris 027 221 6419, or Jax 027 232 3917.

If you would like to donate towards the pump track, please use this account number: 38-9001-0089984-00

Photo:

(L-R) Jacky and Christine sit in front of where the pump track will be built on the Reserve, Christine holding a photo of her late son Aaron, who the track will be in memory of.