Enhanced Seddon Park facility caters for Mosgiel BMX community

Dunedin City Council’s Play Space Plan, adopted in 2021, identified the need for more challenging play areas for children aged between 10 and 14 – including BMX and pump tracks.

During community consultation, the Mosgiel community indicated that they wanted the Seddon Park BMX track to be upgraded.

Significantly, they wanted a pump track that could be used by all ages and for riding bikes, scooters and skateboards. The result is a pump track entirely paved with asphalt to allow for a variety of ages and uses.

The refurbishment of the BMX track included re-using materials from the existing track, where possible, to shape the new mounds and corners. Paved with asphalt, the corners have been reshaped to allow for high-speed riding, while the straights have a lime chip surface.

Representatives from Dunedin City CounciI joined members of the Mosgiel Taieri Community Board, the Mosgiel BMX community and others at the opening ceremony of the enhanced Seddon Park BMX facility.

Dunedin Deputy Mayor Cherry Lucas shared “I hope the new pump track and the improved BMX track will bring much enjoyment to the young people of Mosgiel, as well as the wider community.”

Members of the Mosgiel BMX club had the opportunity to test-ride the course before final levelling and their feedback helped to define any final tweaks.

The project also provided scope for stormwater upgrades, fencing, furniture and minor landscaping works – offering wider benefits, including for those who come along to enjoy watching the action, if not take part in the action themselves.

The opening this week is the culmination of the hard work of many people – in particular, the DCC staff and various contractors who have worked on the project. The track designs were done by Bespoke Landscape Architects, the stormwater design by e2 consultants, project management by Feldspar and the main contractor was WKC Construction.

In recent weeks DCC staff have been working with the Mosgiel BMX Club regarding ongoing management of the tracks. There is also strong interest from members of the Mosgiel Taieri Community Board and the Otago Cycling Club Committee.

To preserve the integrity of the track and prevent damage, the track will only be open during daylight hours. It would also be closed due to wet or unsafe conditions.

It is also important to note that the BMX track has been designed for bicycle use. Motorised or radio-controlled vehicles are not permitted.

Image. Still from video credit: Mosgiel BMX Club