A pump track design that Matt Gladstone, a planner with the Chenango County Department of Planning and Development, wants to install at Kurt Beyer Park. The course would allow bikers of all ages and skill levels to learn valuable skills when riding bikes on trails and in races. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH — Area mountain bikers, BMX bikers, children looking to learn a new skill, and those just interested in trying something new may have the chance in the near future, with a possible mountain bike skills course coming to Norwich's Kurt Beyer Park.

Matt Gladstone, a planner with the Chenango County Department of Planning and Development, said he's wanted to install a skills course, also known as a "pump track," somewhere in the city for about three years.

A mountain biker himself, Gladstone has traveled to various areas across the state that have their own tracks. Recently, after a walk through his neighborhood, he found himself at Kurt Beyer Park and noticed a parcel of underutilized land that would easily fit the approximately half-acre track he was envisioning.


Pump tracks are usually built using either dirt, cement, or asphalt, according to Gladstone, and are meant to get bikers used to the motions and skills needed when riding on trails. They can be customized to different skill levels, and can also utilize various features and landscaping for bikers to practice on.

"Around the track you can build skills and stuff on the features. So wooden features, rock features, dirt features. Basically whatever you want to build so kids, or anybody, can go there and just work on their skills in a low-risk manner before they go out on the trails, where the risk gets a little higher," said Gladstone.

"We’re trying to create a place where people can basically come practice, learn how to ride, and hone in on those skills that eventually you’re going to need out there. So we want a place where kids can come, and I saw this as a perfect spot mainly because every kid rides their bike to the pool. They see this thing sitting here, they’re going to want to come over here and ride it."

The section of the park that would be used is at the back end, adjacent to the bridge leading to the existing trail system. Gladstone emphasized that placing the track there will still leave plenty of space for kids who want the open grass to play soccer or football. He also doesn't anticipate any additional noise, or bikers using the track late at night.

He added placing the pump track at Kurt Beyer would not only serve as a place for bikers to learn new skills, but also provide a great warm up for those looking to get out on the nearby trail system.

"I’ve been to multiple bike parks all around the state, and they all have them at the trail heads. Not every single one, but a lot of them, and it’s so much fun to warm up on. And with it being West Hill right there, you could easily go across that bridge, up the trail system, and next thing you know you’re up there," he said. " So it’s right here, it’s on the edge of the city, so many people are going to be right near it. I see it bringing more people here, also policing the area in a way because it just kind of creates a good, positive environment where people want to come and hang out."

The pump track Gladstone wants to install is made of dirt, and would include three different levels, starting with a small inner ring for novice riders, a second ring for intermediate skills, and a large outer ring for advanced skills.

Referencing a sketch of the track, he said, "I know it looks kind of crazy, but it's really a low-risk environment. It’s a safe place where they can learn to get their skills built up to get to the next level. Whether that’s just riding on the weekends or wanting to join the mountain bike team here."

He estimates the pump track will cost approximately $20-30,000, which includes a reserve of funds for maintenance and upkeep over several years.

So far, Gladstone has presented his idea to the City of Norwich Common Council, who supported the idea. Gladstone has also met with the City of Norwich Planning Department and the City of Norwich Youth Bureau, and is on the agenda for the September Parks Commission meeting as well as the City of Norwich Department of Public Works meeting.

From there, Gladstone said next steps will include working with an engineer to draw up a final design with size specs, determining how much dirt and other features will be needed, and gathering quotes from contractors to get a final cost estimate.

"Hopefully by next spring have a shovel in the ground and get started on it," he said. "Use the winter as the planning months and just get everything organized and talk to all these businesses, the construction companies, and say, hey, get us on your calendar as soon as you can in the spring and let’s get out here and throw some dirt on the ground."