Following the loss of a possible funding opportunity due to a misunderstanding with Central Otago District Council staff, the Cromwell Bike Park’s current financial needs were this week agreed to be an “exceptional circumstance”. 

This opened the way for the Cromwell Community Board to provide nearly $50,000 from council’s Cromwell Reserves Contribution Account for park improvements.

The board was told at a meeting on Tuesday that to complete an upgrade of the popular facility, funds were needed soon so the group would be able to meet deadlines for monies already on offer from other institutions.

The Cromwell Bike Club Inc had not been clearly informed of the grant application process and deadlines, causing a time delay which had put pressure on it, according to a board report.

Speaking for the group during a lengthy public forum session yesterday, Pierre Leyser said during the past 11 years there had been a lot of time and effort put into the facility by volunteers.  

It had drawn people to town – around 1,000 during a recent BMX championship event – and the visitors had frequented many other Cromwell businesses.

Pierre said the plan was to seal a pump track to allow children and less experienced adult riders a safe area for scooter, bike and roller blade use.

Cromwell Bike Park Inc had also submitted a request through the council’s 2021/31 Long-term Plan for public toilets to be built near the bike park, on what is reserve land. 

“The park is being utilised more and more and we keep being asked about toilets and them being a necessary feature at this park.”

Staff say initial costings were in the vicinity of $150,000 for toilets and these would likely be discussed at September’s council meeting.

For the park upgrade work, the group had raised $5,000 and received $43,476 from the Central Lakes Trust and $30,000 from the Otago Community Trust.

Deputy mayor and board member Neil Gillespie, in supporting yesterday’s funding, said Cromwell was lucky to have had the facility developed by the volunteer group.

“This is a great investment in the youth of this community.”