Construction of the brand-new Walkerburn skate park & pump track has been completed and the facility is now open for public use following £135,000 of investment.
Features of the facility
The facility features a 110m pump track and a multi-use games area incorporating a basketball backboard and ring set, football goal and cricket wickets.
The pump track has been designed for beginner to intermediate level users made with an asphalt surface which can be used for all wheeled sports including bikes, scooters, skateboards and roller skates.
A further £45,000 project will see a floodlight system installed at the new facility, with construction work for that taking place later this Autumn.
Invesment from us and sportscotland
The project as a whole has been made possible through £115k of funding from ourselves and a further £65k from sportscotland.
The investment from sportscotland comes from the £8million Cycling Facilities Fund, which aims to build on the growing interest in cycling by developing a network of facilities across the country and deliver a tangible benefit from the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and Scotland.
It has been made possible through a £4million commitment from Scottish Government and £4million from sportscotland through National Lottery funds.
Councillor John Greenwell, Executive Member for Roads Development & Maintenance:
“I am sure there are a lot of children and young people across Walkerburn and the surrounding area that will be delighted with the news that the new skate park & pump track is now open and ready for use.
“The facility is of the highest standard and importantly provides greater play opportunities for our young folk. Yet again this is another prime example of the investment SBC is committing to expanding and improving the play parks infrastructure across the region.”
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop:
“The investment provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery to deliver the Cycling Facilities Fund has allowed us to harness the interest in cycling generated by the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and deliver a lasting benefit for the nation and the sport.
“By working with Scottish Cycling to shape the fund, we have been able to increase the opportunities for people to get involved in cycling right across the country. It’s hugely encouraging to see the number of organisations like Scottish Borders Council who have grasped this opportunity to improve the lives of their local communities by investing in cycling facilities."
Nick Rennie, Scottish Cycling Chief Executive:
"I'm delighted to see yet another facility funded by the Cycling Facilities Fund open, as we continue to feel the benefits of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships coming to Scotland last summer.
“There is no doubt the World Championships, and the Olympics this summer, have inspired people to get on their bike, and it's great that thanks to the fund, we're able to create purpose built facilities across the country that provide safe environments for people to ride - Walkerburn Skate Park & Pump Track is a perfect example.
“This pump track will benefit Walkerburn and the surrounding areas, providing a fantastic all-weather facility for the local community; congratulations to everyone that has worked together to bring this project to life."
For more information contact the Communications and Marketing team on 01835 826632 or communications@scotborders.gov.uk