Pump track build set to start

Work is due to start next month on a controversial new pump track at Matakana’s Diamond Jubilee Park.

The 3.6-hectare park is currently home to Matakana Pony Club, which has a non-exclusive right to occupy most of the grounds from Rodney Local Board.

Matakana Community Group (MCG) plans to install an asphalt track for bikes, scooters and skaters in the northwest corner of the park, behind the tennis club, in an area designated for community use.

The Board approved its plans last September, despite pony club objections that it would be unsafe and take away parking space.

At MCG’s quarterly meeting on March 3, chair Simon Barclay said work was due to start on April 22 and should take six or seven weeks.

One local resident asked why the focus was on a pump track, rather than community use for the wider park.

“There’s been considerable conflict,” Barclay said. “Some people are very much for the pony club, some people aren’t, but there’s no push at the moment for alternative use.

“People talk about could the football club use the space or cricket club have a base there … absolutely they could, but it’s up to the village to get together. It’s got to be driven by the whole community.”
The pony club lease is up for renewal in August.