Invercargill’s Russell Square is set to become the new home for the much-anticipated portable pump track, Tunatuna, with a festive launch event planned for December 6. The Invercargill City Council facilitated a city-wide decision-making process, hosting an online poll that resulted in the selection of Russell Square as the preferred location.

Laura Dowling, the Active Transport Innovator at Healthy Families Invercargill, is at the helm of the project. She expressed enthusiasm about the park’s popularity and the additional layer of excitement and recreational activity that Tunatuna is expected to introduce. Dowling is an advocate for active transportation and encourages visitors to use the cycle lanes along Ness Street to access the track.

Caroline Rain, the ICC Parks and Recreation Manager, expressed her contentment with the community’s decision for Russell Square to play host to Tunatuna during the summer. She emphasized the project’s communal and collaborative nature, aiming to get more children actively engaged in physical activities such as biking, scooting, or skateboarding, especially in areas that typically lack such free play opportunities.

The 57-meter portable pump track, which has previously graced Bluff and Nightcaps, is more than just a recreational facility; it’s a dynamic community space designed to foster social connections and encourage active lifestyles. It also serves as a training ground, boosting the confidence of new riders in a safe environment, promoting the broader use of active transport.

Managed by Cycling Southland, the track’s upkeep is a concerted effort, with backing from various local clubs, including the Southland Mountain Bike Club, the Southland BMX Club, and the Southland Triathlon and Multisport Club. Moreover, the initiative has garnered support from a tapestry of community organizations and funding bodies, showcasing a strong communal investment in the region’s active and healthy future.

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