Despite the marginally dreary weather, hundreds of Pump bikers and skateboarders, families, friends and curious on-lookers attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Crescent City Pump track at Beach Front Park, last Saturday.
The excitement and energy for this event were palpable. Scores of kids, mostly on bikes, tested their skills on the new track.
The entire City Council and staff was on-hand to inaugurate the track.
Joe Gillespie of the Del Norte Trail Alliance welcomed a gathering estimated to be between 250-300 to the event.
In 2017, Gillespie was the initial impetus in bringing the idea to the Chamber of Commerce, Board of Supervisors and City Council in helping bring a track to Crescent City. State Prop. 68, the $4 billion Parks and Water project initiative funded parks around the State. “400 City / County parks up and down the Golden State applied for the funding. Crescent City was among the 100 parks to receive the funds to attract, (American Ramp Company) design and construct Crescent City’s unique million dollar pump track.”
Plans include adding sanctioned timing devices and categorizing age group competitions in the different modes of self-propulsion: bicycles, skateboards and online roller skates in an effort to stage multiple annual events which would include commercial opportunities. Gillespie continued, “Pump Tracks are a huge economic driver. It’s up to you kids to create a culture of caring, sharing and helping one another.” After Gillespie’s presentation, groups of 20 “pumpsters” took to the track. Ten GT bikes were given away. Wal-Mart Crescent City donated other bikes. 80 helmets and other gear were also given away. Redwood Medical Office, Cholwell, Benz and Hartwick, Sea Quake Breweryand Coast Central Credit Union each donated $1,000. Large donations were also made by Crescent Ace Hardwear and previously mentioned Wal-Mart.
The pump track era has begun.