Pump track perfection in loving memory

The sound of laughing children is the best outcome of a new addition to a beach settlement’s reserve in North Canterbury.

In March this year a pump track was opened at Leithfield Beach Reserve, just south of Amberley.

It’s been a project in the making since 2014 for residents Christine and Paul James, who’s teenage son died in a motor vehicle accident in nearby Waikuku that year. Aaron was a very keen BMX rider and skater.

“He’d be pretty proud of it,” said Paul, adding that they’re very proud of what their community has achieved.

“We’d like to express a big thank you to everybody who has donated money and offered auction items for the fundraising dinner, both locals and Leithfield Beach campers. There are so many people to thank, we can’t thank them all.”

The Leithfield Beach Residents Association (LBRA) and good friends Jacky and Ian Ellis have been part of the project since the beginning, together they’ve raised $54,000 through local fundraising, LBRA making an application for a Rata Foundation grant, and a donation from Foodstuffs.

They all agreed the pump track finishes off the reserve area perfectly, complementing the tennis court, squash court, playground, basketball hoop and of course the beach that’s just a stone’s throw away.

Jacky said the pump track has worked out better than they’d hoped for, the asphalt surface means it’s all weather, the bumps and turns deliver something for all levels, and the grasses planted around it means the pump track blend in well to the beach environment.

Local business James Landscaping built the track, and as biking enthusiasts, they adjusted the track as they went, using their own expertise as a guide.

Christine enjoys seeing children, parents, and grandparents down there every day riding bikes, scooters or skateboards, or just watching.

“It’s pretty awesome, it brought a tear to my eye the first time.”

The pump track is well used by locals, campers and those who live nearby.

“It’s so cool to see the kids talking to each other on there, it’s like they have an unwritten code as they all use it together,” said Paul.

Hurunui District Mayor Marie Black was thrilled to see such a great asset for one of the district’s beach settlements, and even more so that it was the result of community support and determination.

“It just goes to show, when there is passion and dedication, communities pull together and great achievements can be made.”

The next plan is to build a seat out of skateboards with Aaron’s name on a plaque.