Town council shown at Monday's meeting. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Angela Brown

New recreation site

Council approves new location for pump track

May 17, 2022 | 10:00 AM

Town of Battleford council gave the go ahead for a new location for the pump track project.

While they previously approved putting the track at the river valley area, council heard at this week’s meeting that installing the project at this location would pose challenges.

“When we got going on that project and did the topographic survey, getting the results back and in talking with the pump track builders, they expressed their concerns with that location,” Parks and Recreation Manager Jordan Schechtel said.

Velosolutions had issues with the varying elevations and potential drainage issues due to the proximity to nearby water run offs, so asked the town to consider another location.

As a result, town administration proposed installing the track in the Battle Springs Park area, originally the second option. The new site would be located in the greenspace between the campground and Battle Springs Park, along First Avenue (between Battle River Place and Battle Springs Lane).

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“It is zoned as R2 residential development,” Schechtel said. “Eventually, when that area gets developed the town would have to allocate a portion of that area as greenspace anyway. So the pump track would fit within that required greenspace.”

He said there has been discussion about looking at other locations and the town did consider various options. However, Schechtel believes this is the best spot for the site.

“I feel it’s better that it’s closer to First Avenue because there is already a sidewalk there, so people can park on the street,” Schechtel said.

He added the town can look into whether it needs a parking lot there in the future.

There is no financial impact to the town for changing the location. Mayor Ames Leslie noted the cost of the project works out to $73 per person for town residents, or $3.65 each per year over a 20-year span, the expected life of the track.

“That’s peanuts,” he said. “That’s a cup of coffee per year to have this great asset in our backyards.”

Leslie added no matter where the town installs the track, some people will still be upset about it.

“I hope those people come forth and have a conversation with council or with Jordan [Schechtel],” he said.

The majority of council were in favour of the idea for the new site. However, Coun. Kevin Russell, who voted against the proposed location, said he was concerned about the area.

“I love the idea; it’s really great for this community. I see value in it. It’s awesome to invest in our youth…,” he said. “I was hoping to keep it away from the residential area a little bit… I’m not in total favour of this exact location.”

“But I am 100 per cent in favour of this project.”

Coun. Judy Pruden supported the proposal for the Battle Springs Park area.

“Although at first we wanted it by the river, it became not a feasible location after the topographical survey was done,” she said. “So this new spot won’t have the problems of the river area run off.”

Pruden added the pump track will be a positive development for the town.

“Hopefully, they are trusting in our council that we are making the best decision for our town, on behalf of the people who have put us in this room together,” she said. “It’s going to be good for everybody.”

Pruden also added the new location is a safe area. While not currently central, it will be some day if the town grows further in that district.

“I think it’s going to be all good,” she said.

Town administration will next send a letter to area residents in the vicinity of the new location, informing them of the project.

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angela.brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW