Pupils at Solway Primary School in Masterton were quick to jump on to the newly developed BMX track built on a section of unused land next to the railway corridor.
PHOTO/GIANINA SCHWANECKE
GIANINA SCHWANECKE
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A group of volunteers have turned a “derelict dumping ground” along the rail corridor into a BMX track for pupils at Solway Primary School in Masterton.
Running parallel to the railway line and the boundary of the school, the KiwiRail-owned land was used largely as a dumping ground for rail equipment and trucks.
“It was a real mess,” said the man tasked with cleaning it up, Richard Butler.
It took about six months to clear all the rubbish and scrub, landscape the grounds and resew the grass.
The ground was also tested for contamination but came back all clear.
Named Butler’s Field for the family who helped lead the redevelopment and have had three generations through the school, it was officially opened at a ceremony on Wednesday.
Solway Primary School principal Mark Bridges said the development of the bike track was about encouraging the pupils to keep active.
“The kids have been making their own BMX tracks in our plantation area.
“These are rough and tumble type kids – half are from rural areas and half are from town.”
He said thechildren had been very excited about the development of a proper BMX track which would be open to them during school hours.
Kevin Twiggins, a former teacher with landscaping experience, was tasked the development of the track after building one at his home during the covid-19 lockdown.
It took about six weeks to complete.
Bridges was grateful to all the volunteers and businesses who had supported the project.
“This is the community doing something for the community.”
