Community
Wallacetown's new BMX and pump tracks opened on Saturday — though they nearly didn't make it to the ribbon-cutting in one piece.
A group of motorcyclists rode over the tracks the night before the opening, forcing Ryal Bush Transport staff into an emergency cleanup job. Ōreti Community Board chair Margie Ruddenklau addressed it directly with the crowd gathered at Ellerslie Square. "Please don't ruin this wonderful new facility for the rest of the Wallacetown community," Ruddenklau said, reminding everyone the tracks are built for mountain bikes and BMX-type bikes only — not motorbikes. Alternative spots exist in the township for those riders.
The tracks themselves are genuinely impressive. Three BMX lines — junior, intermediate, and senior — cater for all skill lecvels, alongside a pump track. Designer Cam Bisset of Dirt Trailbuilding shaped the layout, and Ryal Bush Contracting built it. Hundreds of riders turned up and made immediate use of every metre of it, with the big air jumps on the BMX course getting predictable attention.
The ribbon was cut by New Zealand BMX star Tessa McNaught, with fellow Kiwi representative Ryan van Zoelen watching on and Indi and Mila McMullin holding the ribbon. All four are among eight Southland riders heading to Brisbane this week for the UCI BMX World Championships. Hard to imagine a more fitting opening ceremony.
Deputy Mayor Christine Menzies acknowledged Ryal Bush Contracting, Bisset, the Ōreti Community Board, Active Southland, and council teams, as well as the Wallacetown community whose feedback shaped the final design.
Ryal Bush Transport general manager Corey Price said it was fantastic to see the tracks being well used by kids young and old throughout Southland.
Active Southland brought play equipment for younger children. Wallacetown Volunteer Fire Brigade turned out in numbers. Ryal Bush Transport staff ran a sausage sizzle with supplies from The Grocer. A genuine community day — minus the motorbike drama from the night before.