Kids and families living in Kiama Downs and Minnamurra will be able to jump on their bikes and ride to a nearby BMX park if plans to transform the Minnamurra Quarry are approved by landowner Kiama Council.
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Minnamurra Quarry, on the headland between the Minnamurra River and Jones Beach, has been abandoned for almost two decades.
At a meeting on Monday night, a BMX park advocate told council it will provide a safe and fun place for children to learn and improve bike riding skills away from roads, car parks and pedestrian footpaths.
On Tuesday night, Kiama Councillors voted unanimously to explore the prospect of moving the dirt, and create a pump and jump BMX track, and balance track for push-bike riders.
Kiama Councillor Mark Way has spent years searching for an appropriate use of the quarry.
“If it goes ahead it’s going to be awesome,” he said.
“There’s a huge amount of kids around here that ride bikes and are looking for something like this.
“People have been asking for a long time how to use that area.”
Engineering and Works director Gino Belsito applauded the idea as simple and cost-effective.
The park is fenced, and has picnic tables, making it inviting for families to supervise children.
Minnamurra Lions Club, and various community members have volunteered to help council build the park.
Various plans for the 2.7-hectare parcel of community land have fallen through, including a proposal to develop it into a place for "active recreation", with a junior cricket field, adventure playground, raised viewing platforms and multi-purpose sporting facilities, and a proposal for a community garden.
