Location :

Mill Park, VIC

Client :

City of Whittlesea

Year :

2018

Sector :

BMX

City of Whittlesea had identified the need to redevelop the existing BMX track and associated infrastructure at Sycamore Reserve. Home to the Northern BMX Club, which is one of Victoria’s largest BMX clubs, the track and associated facilities had become run-down and unsafe.

THE CHALLENGE

Working with the Club, Council identified that the track needed to be upgraded to not only make the facility safer, but to help attract new club members and make the track itself weather proof.

 

The initial scope involved:

  • Redeveloping the configuration of the track to include a split second straight for more experienced riders

  • Sealing the berms to improve durability and use when wet

  • Include barrel starter gates

  • New lighting

  • New amenities building

 

Managing the club's expectations with the available budget was the greatest challenge for the site. Council had limited funds for the project and wanted to ensure the best outcome based on these funds.

THE SOLUTION

Working with a BMX designers, SPORTENG redesigned the alignment of the track to improve the flow across the track and include a split second straight. Reshaped jumps and berms meant that all levels of experience could use the facility.

The berms were to be resealed with an asphalt layer and new drainage was located off the track to help improve the tracks use during rain events.

A new Starters Hill included a barrel gate in place of the existing gate set-up, which flexed too much when bikes were up against it.

THE RESULTS

Unfortunately, budget constraints dictated that the reshaping of the existing BMX track were not feasible and in the end the $1.4m budget allowed Council to deliver on sealing of the berms, improved drainage, barrel start gate and a new pavilion.


“Council has been superb in funding and supporting us to build a weather-proof track that can be used all year round, and that’s allowed us to have it open to the public as well,” Club President Mr Graham said.

 

“Since the upgrade at the reserve, we’ve welcomed more riders, from beginners to experts, who are keen to test their skills on the new track. [...] This is a fantastic project for our whole community to participate in sport and enjoy the benefits that come with outdoor recreation.” Administrator Chris Eddy said.