The day after returning from the X Games build in Austin, Texas, the DirtSculpt crew along side local riders from Catty Woods gave back to their local community by building a pump track for the Borough of Catasauqua's Iron Works Summer Blast, a local community festival that was held on June 13, 2015.
The turn out for the event was fantastic and the pumptrack and demos from local riders was one of the highlights of the event. In addition to the pumptrack, the Iron Works Summer Blast had a pop-up garden, an interactive mural, as well as local food, beer, and music.
The local riders put on an amazing demo of pro-level riding that entertained parents and inspired local youth. According to Dave King, one of DirtSculpt's owners, "One of the reasons that we are starting to see more and more pump tracks being built in our public parks is that no matter what the age, skill level, or experience, everyone can enjoy them."
DirtSculpt had over 30 parents approach them during the one day event asking where the closest public park was with a pumptrack because their kids had so much fun riding. Christian Birch, one of the partners at DirtSculpt said, "In recent years, we are seeing more and more demand and support for bike parks in local communities." Earlier this year, DirtSculpt together with Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR), presented an informational session on pumptracks at the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society's annual conference in Lancaster, PA. According to Christian, "Many states including PA are looking to replace under-utilized park facilities and replace them with pumptracks as a way of getting kids more active and re-engaging them with public parks. Here in Pennsylvania, the PA DCNR has grant money available to fund park projects that include facilities like pumptracks."
When asked what the Borough of Catasauqua's response will be to the growing demand for a public bike park in their community, Christine Weaver, a member of Borough Council said, "The riders have a great work ethic and their exuberance is contagious. Gene Goldfeder, Borough Manager, and I met with DirtSculpt within days of the event. Vince Smith, Council President, is a huge supporter of the (local) riders, and a few of our council members have expressed interest in getting a (public) pumptrack in the Borough. Can't wait to see it through and find out what comes next and where."
DirtSculpt will be providing professional services to the Borough of Catasauqua in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania in order to explore what grant funding may be available for the planning, design, and construction of a public bike park and trails. If you or your community would like discuss how DirtSculpt may be able to help you, please email us at info@DirtSculpt.com or give us a call at 610-960-5117.
