Progress for new Alford bike track scheme
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An Alford charity's plans for the development of a new pump track and bike trail at Haughton Park have seen progress this week.
The Friends of Haughton Park submitted a bid to take over part of the village green from Aberdeenshire Council last September and local authority chiefs agreed the charity can lease the ground for 25 years in December.
The plans to bring two pump tracks and an all-ability trail to the Alford park were first unveiled by the charity in 2019.
Volunteers estimated that the total project would cost around £300,000 and they are well on track to meet this goal having already raised £200,000 by the start of the year.
A pump track is designed for use by everything from skateboards and scooters to BMX bikes and rollerblades.
One track will be built for beginners while the second will be for more advanced users.
Meanwhile the all-ability trail will link the car park to the pump track.
It will be suitable for users on foot, bikes and wheelchairs.
The pump tracks are expected to be constructed to the southern end of the park and would not affect the existing equipment.
But the park’s football goals will be moved to ensure folk can still enjoy a kickabout.
It is hoped that the new addition at the heart of the Howe of Alford community will inspire people of all ages and abilities to get active.
In the supporting document for application 2023/0515 they comment: "The aim of this project is to provide complimentary facilities that are free to use, safe, accessible and appealing to all, and sustainable in the long term.
"They will deliver multiple benefits for a large range of users and fill a gap in provision within the local area.
"The facility will also help the community to engage in wheeled sports activity without having to travel to other areas, thus spending more time in the local area and using the existing local amenities and services.
"It’s also hoped these facilities will create new opportunities through active participation, coaching, instruction, and increased visitor numbers to Alford and the surrounding area which will be good for local businesses."
