It took four years but you couldn't wipe the smile off Michael Thompson's face on Friday when the new Minnamurra Bike Skills Track was officially opened.
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It was only at the insistence of the Minnamurra father of two that Kiama Council even considered building the track at Sanctuary Place Quarry.
Mr Thompson came up with the idea for the formalised track four years ago after the council removed a track young kids had built on the Minnamurra headland.
The keen mountain bike rider then attended many council meetings and rustled up community support for the proposal.
And, when Kiama councillor Mark Way informed him about the disused quarry in Minnamurra, Mr Thompson set about raising the funds to make it happen.
'I secured a $50,000 grant from the state government after my proposal for the bike track got the most votes in the Myer Community Project, beating out 30 odd other projects in the Kiama-Minnamurra area," he said.
"This was a good start but it was still not enough for the council to progress with the bike track as a track also required a car park, toilet facilities and a fence.
"This was thankfully achieved when the federal government chipped in with the $150,000 needed."
Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips said she was happy to support this fantastic community project with $150 000 from the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, said he was pleased to see the new track officially open in time for the school holidays.
Kiama Mayor Mark Honey added it was great to have the Bike Skills Track up and running.
"This new track complements our many other bike and skating facilities and infrastructure throughout the municipality," Cr Honey said.
The Bike Skills Track is suitable for BMX and mountain bikes and features two downhill tracks, with senior and junior courses, as well as a balance skills course.
Council has also provided picnic shelters, park benches, amenities and a carpark.
The track is designed for riders of all ages and abilities and includes features suggested during community consultation with residents, community groups and local schools.
The design was finalised by bike track specialists Dirtz Track, which has built more than 120 mountain bike, pumptrack and BMX facilities in Australia and overseas.
The 250 metres of track was constructed by Council workers who used more than 2000 tonnes of clean soil sourced from other construction sites.
The community was also involved in construction with Minnamurra Lions Club repairing existing picnic shelters and building the timber balance skills section.
"I'm so happy that the day has finally arrived and this track is now open," Mr Thompson said.
"I've got my kids Luke and Lucy here today and they're loving it.
"I think it is so important to get kids off their devices and being active outdoors. Getting kids out in the wilderness just riding bikes I think is really good for their mental health, especially in this day and age.
I think it is so important to get kids off their devices and being active outdoors. Getting kids out in the wilderness just riding bikes I think is really good for their mental health, especially in this day and age.
- Michael Thompson
"That's why I was so keen to have this track built here for our local kids.
"My plan now is to hopefully add some features to the track, maintain it and make it a better facility for the community."
The Minnamurra Bike Skills Track is open 8am to 5pm, seven days a week. Riders must wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear when using the track.
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