Work set to begin on major new bike park and all ability trail at Alford’s Haughton Park
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Plans to bring an exciting new bike park and all ability trail to Alford have taken a major step forward this week after the final funding required was secured by the charity behind the project.
The plans to bring two pump tracks and an all-ability trail to the Alford park were first unveiled by the charity The Friends of Haughton Park in 2019 and over the intervening years they submitted plans and worked with Aberdeenshire Council to secure access and rights to land on areas involved.
Projected to cost around £300,000 they had already raised £200,000 by the start of 2023 and today confirmed: “After nearly six years of hard work by the Friends of Haughton Park Trustees- we now have the final funding in place! This exciting news means that construction on the Haughton Park Bike Park and All Ability Trail will begin next month. Friends of Haughton Park have been awarded £100,000 from the Sport Scotland Cycling Facility Fund. This, added to our existing award of £200,000 from the Scottish Government Place Based Investments Programme (via Aberdeenshire Council), means construction can soon begin.”
The funding will see two new purpose-built pump tracks and one all-ability trail built at Haughton Park. The main track will be a single loop and will offer different line choices for users. The second track is beginner friendly and gives riders the chance to learn and practice riding skills, and is suitable for toddlers on balance bikes and adaptive bikes for disabled riders.
The all-ability trail is designed for a range of adaptive bikes, tricycles and wheelchairs, and offers an area for riders to practice and develop confidence.
They continued: “The new facility will provide an important space for cycling, BMX, mountain biking and wheeled sports, and we have plans to connect with schools and the existing sporting network in the area.
“Full planning permission has already been granted, and a community asset transfer and long term lease of the area has been signed in agreement with Aberdeenshire Council. Local company CRC Trails have been appointed to oversee construction.”
Friends of Haughton Park Chair, Simone Sinclair said: “These major grants will allow the Friends of Haughton Park to develop a first-rate facility in Alford. The Friends of Haughton Park Trustees gratefully receive this investment as we know the new Haughton Park Pump Track and All Ability Trails will be welcomed and used by locals and visitors alike. The new facility will enhance our beautiful and well-loved park and bring new visitors to the area and will hopefully inspire more young people to take up cycling. The Friends of Haughton Park would like to offer our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported us so far.”
