Fundraising is getting underway to develop what could be a three quarters of a million-dollar, world class pump track for youth, families and visitors on the outskirts of Manapouri.

Motorau Active Community Charitable Trust members are working hard on the plans and grants coordinator James Adie says they’ve had tremendous support from the local business community already.

“We’ve already had really good professional support with people chipping in their time to help with the design and the project management,” he says.

Trustees are now looking for some investment to kickstart the fundraising project and hopefully secure some good community funding grants.

They’re hoping to establish a versatile, world class facility at the Te Aika Reserve, next to the new Lancewood subdivision where even more families will be building homes and moving into the area.

Adie says it’s urgently needed not only as an asset and destination attraction for Manapouri, but for safety reasons with kids in the area desperate to get some air building their own makeshift jumps alongside the road.

Darcy Adie, 9, shows how it's done. Photo: There And Back Photography

“We’re hoping to help kids out offering somewhere safe to ride, but it’s not just about attracting and keeping kids safe,” he says.

” This will be a destination track that will attract riders too and we hope to host a variety of vibrant events, like community ride days, summer skill clinics, school excursions and regional competitions.”

He says they’re hoping it will be used by the wider community and as a place that will entice visiting families to stay longer, and where locals feel pride and connection.

A facility like this brings people together, promotes Manapouri and the wider Te Anau basin as a destination for active lifestyles,” he says. “It generates positive economic and social outcomes for the community.

“Manapouri’s population is really expanding with so many more kids living in the area now,” Adie says. “We’re looking to create a versatile facility that caters for all wheels, from kids on their first balance bike to elite youth dirt jumpers, skateboarders and scooter riders.”

A high-quality pump track would not only provide a “safe and engaging space” for these young people to ride and develop their skills, but it would also foster a sense of community and encourage healthy, active lifestyles, Adie says.

At present he has to drive to Hanley’s Track, just outside Queenstown, to give his sons some fun riding time.

“We’ve already got the fill all ready to go, donated from the neighbouring Lancewood Estate and this would be the perfect end point for the Lake to Lake Cycle Trail connecting Manapouri and Te Anau.

Adie, whose background is in asset management, says the trust is planning a staged approach. The Southland District Council’s long-term plan includes allocation in the area for a BMX Track. “We want to build this as that,” he says.

The trust is gearing up for further community engagement and backing come summer when the travelling Tunatuna Pop Up Pump Track will be set up temporarily in January on the Te Aika Reserve.

“We’re hoping to erect a billboard there and get that public backing and community engagement going for our project,” he says.

Sue Fea is a senior journalist with more than 40-years experience covering police, social and general news in the southern regions.