The construction of a new Pump Track in High River's north west has been a heated topic lately.

Many residents that live in it's proposed area along High Country Drive are opposed to the idea, worried about a reduction in privacy, dust, noise and vandalism and other crime problems.

Proposed Pump Track site, right next to High River's Spray Park. (Photo Courtesy Jeff Hamilton Facebook)

Pump Track advocate, Jeff Hamilton joined Town Council again on Monday, August 19 to challenge some of those misconceptions.

He and his family traveled to several different pump tracks in communities all over Alberta and filmed and took pictures for his presentation.

Hamilton says those people who are worried about the Pump Track, may not understand what a Pump Track is.

"I don't want to negatively affect anybody in that area, and there is that notion out there that all it's going to do is create noise and havoc," Hamilton said. "Those that have that preconceived notion that that's what it is, hasn't been to a pump track, they're quiet and full of kids and putting into an existing park has been done before and it's been successful."

Hamilton surveyed residents who reside along an existing pump tracks in communities like Evansburg, Wildwood and Chestermere.

He found many residents that were worried before construction, no longer had any existing problems after the track was built, but in fact quite enjoyed it.

Council was shocked to see nearly 40 members of the public who attended the meeting in support of the Pump Track in it's current proposed location.

Many supporters said it's a young community, families with older children could use the pump track while younger children use the spray park and that it's a good way to get kids away from their screens and outdoors.

Child riding on Pump Track in Wildwood Alberta (Photo Courtesy: Jeff Hamilton Facebook)

Hamilton believes he's found the best place.

"I know it looks like there's a lot of land all over High River, but most of it is flood land, and a lot of that land that you would expect to be a great location just doesn't work for this."

This project has been nearly two and half years in the making, and despite the lengthy process, Hamilton thanks Council and Town Employees for how great they've been to deal with along the way.

He says now he and his supporters, are just looking to get it built.

A non-Statutory Public Hearing has been planned to be part of the Town's regular Council meeting on Monday, September 9.

There, residents for and against will have the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns.

 

READ MORE:

Local High River Pump Track One Step Closer

Planning Underway for Pump Track Park in High River

Council Approves Land Designation For Pump Park

 

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