Plans to convert old BMX track to new pump track for Nairn in bid to boost community spirit and mental health
A new sports facility for Nairn has the potential to boost mental and physical health and tackle problems of antisocial behaviour according to its supporters.
For months local residents have been working to turn a run-down BMX track in the town’s Riverside area into a brand new pump track and are now ready to start turning the plans into reality.
The initiative led by the Nairn Pump Track Group has found support among the local business community as well as councillors, with an active Facebook group for the project having almost 200 members.
Group member Morag Anderson said: “The subject came up in conversations about the current state of the BMX track and its possible use for Nairn PLAY (community group, working to provide recreational facilities locally).
“It soon became apparent that Nairn PLAY couldn’t really do much with it but the conversation continued during meetings with people at Queenspark Residents Association.
“My partner David Ross got involved as he used to compete on the BMX track. It started from there and it kind of snowballed.”
And she added: “There are some real success stories around pump tracks in the UK.”
In Wales one community development saw a 70 per cent reduction in antisocial behaviour in the community and was voted one of the best crime prevention initiatives in Europe.
Another community near Glasgow also saw a drop in crime following the installation of a pump track there.
“Because they are used by young people as well as adults and families, pump tracks have a tendency to police themselves,” Ms Anderson said.
“It creates a community and people who become part can take ownership of the place and look after it.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Nairn, to have a world-class facility for use by everyone from beginner to elite sports professionals.”
Supported by Community Enterprise Scotland to create its action plan, the group is about to apply for charity status which will allow it to apply for further funding – for what is expected to be a £500,000 project.
Local Highland councillor Barbara Jarvie said: “The group has done a massive amount of research, and credit to the team and the people who helped them.
“They were also talking about girls’ teams, which would be fantastic! There is one in Boat of Garten and last year they held one of the heats for the Ride the Worlds pump track competition, which is a really big thing.
“I used to go and watch my friends down at the BMX track, it got whole families out of the house. Unfortunately it fell into dilapidation and wasn’t maintained, but that area is such an asset and the investment in the area is well overdue.”
Taran Campbell, who designed skate parks for Inverness’s Bught Park and the Inshes area of the city, said: “You only need to visit one of the facilities in Inverness on a weekend to see how full they are with multiple generations making use of it.
“It’s a social hub, it’s great exercise, there’s a level of freestyle and of competition – it’s a great asset for any area to have.
“When there are lots of people around, you have people naturally looking after the area and at the same time you are providing people with something to do who otherwise, with nothing to do, may end up causing trouble.”
Sergeant Kevin Anderson, from Nairn Police Station, said: “We continue to engage with a range of partners on ways to increase positive engagement across the Nairn community and to deter young people from becoming involved in antisocial behaviour and crime.
“Antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated and so we are open to the positive impact that such projects and diversionary activities can have.”
Anyone interested in supporting the group can join the Nairn Pump Track Group on Facebook or email nairnpumptrack@gmail.com
