City of Chelan holds community meeting on pump track

CHELAN - Parents, children and skateboarders raised their voices during the pumptrack/skatepark community meeting  - they want to see the park be done right this time around.

“This can become whatever the community decides they want,” said Chelan City administrator Mike Jackson. Jackson then introduced American Ramp Company (ARC) Bike Park Development Manager Tim Babcock. “I am in charge of everything to do with bike ramps and trail development throughout the country and the world,” said Babcock.

During Babcock’s meeting with different city staff earlier that day (June 19) they visited the site in order to observe and explore opportunities it presents. He told the 25 attendees that the current size of Don Morse skate park is about 10,000 square feet. “If you are familiar with that space right there, there’s room to expand towards the water,” stated Babcock.

Babcock explained the work he will be doing with the conceptual design. “We want to figure out what you guys want to see here. We are looking into improving, expanding or changing the skatepark while possibly adding a bike element like an asphalt pumptrack,” explained Babcock. He mentioned that his ultimate goal will be able to provide the community a sustainable and durable site that will serve generations to come.

There was also a brief introduction to pumptrack competitions. One community member asked about the requirements needed in the pumptrack in order to host a competition. He mentioned that Chelan could potentially host such an event during the shoulder seasons. Leavenworth’s pumptrack was used as an example of a site that has been used for qualifier competitions.

“What we can do is design a park that works for you guys, while also meets those minimum requirements for qualifiers,” said Babcock. He also mentioned that there are other local opportunities for hosting competitions and programs.

Councilwoman Kelly Allen clarified a couple of things regarding the pumptrack. “ I am  the one who brought this forward and my intention of doing that is that it wasn’t for shoulder events. It’s really to provide outdoor activities for the youth in our community, I find that they’re not a lot,” she said.

Other community members expressed their support for Allen’s vision. “I love having the priority being the local kids ... and I’m not entirely opposed to some small competitions for our local kids,” said a local mom who attended the meeting. In terms of the skatepark, the public who attended want to see more advanced features provided in order to accommodate all skills levels.

Based on the feedback received, Babcock will create two conceptual design options for the skatepark/pumptrack that will include room for future expansion. The designs will be ready in about six weeks and a second community meeting will be held then to present the options to the public for a second round of feedback. “We are going to look at ways to maximize the space, optimize the budget and serve as many people as we can,” said Babcok.