Please donate to and/or spread the word about the Herman Park Pump Track.
As a community pump track we are looking to the local community to promote and donate when possible.
Thank you for all that you do for the community and the support that you have given to outdoor opportunities in Leelanau County.
As a community pump track we are looking to the local community to promote and donate when possible.
Thank you for all that you do for the community and the support that you have given to outdoor opportunities in Leelanau County.
What is it?
BIKE LEELANAU, with the support of Suttons Bay businesses, Suttons Bay Schools and Norte, would like to install a professionally designed and built pump track from Progressive Bike Ramps at Suttons Bay's Herman Park. A pump track is a dirt circuit of rollers, banked turns and features designed to be ridden by cyclists of all ages. Pump tracks are relatively simple to use and cater to a wide variety of rider skill levels. Pump tracks are great “promoter(s) of physical mobility and development among the youngest”, and also hone the skills of older generations. For children 2+ “the diversity and organic form of a pump track and the innovative way of movement stimulate the development of balance and coordination, while the users also strengthen their muscles and the cardiovascular system. Since a pump track is safe for users from the age of 2, it is an ideal place for the development of physical mobility of children.” Pump tracks have been seen to draw all ages of riders from the youngest on balance bikes to seasoned pros, all riding with a smile and encouraging each other’s development.
Depending on funds raised Bike Leelanau is looking at installing a 125’ oval pump track that is 55’x 21’ which is a great “starter” track as it can be added to over the years to become a larger track, or up to a 330’ pump track that is 71’x74’ with 6 berms.
Depending on funds raised Bike Leelanau is looking at installing a 125’ oval pump track that is 55’x 21’ which is a great “starter” track as it can be added to over the years to become a larger track, or up to a 330’ pump track that is 71’x74’ with 6 berms.
Community Hub
Herman Park already serves as an outdoor community hub for Leelanau County residents and visitors alike, from Sutton Bay students utilizing the park during the school day, to multi-generational groups using the pickleball and tennis courts, folks enjoying the disc golf course, to families fishing in the pond. The addition of a pump track to Herman Park will increase the draw of the Park, providing yet another venue for intergeneration fun and socialization.
Communities that have installed pump tracks in parks have seen park usage increase and have seen the park grow as a “a gathering place for the local community where all generations meet and socialize: Since pump tracks address the widest spectrum of users, they are considered more than just a sports facility, as they become an inter-generational place for the entire local community.” Leelanau County is already known for its strong communities, and the pump track at Herman Park will naturally become a focal point for a strong Suttons Bay outdoor community welcoming to all.
Communities that have installed pump tracks in parks have seen park usage increase and have seen the park grow as a “a gathering place for the local community where all generations meet and socialize: Since pump tracks address the widest spectrum of users, they are considered more than just a sports facility, as they become an inter-generational place for the entire local community.” Leelanau County is already known for its strong communities, and the pump track at Herman Park will naturally become a focal point for a strong Suttons Bay outdoor community welcoming to all.
Watch Wishaw Community Pump Track - Changing Lives to learn more about pump tracks impacts on communities.
Location
A pump track’s scale is perfect for a park setting. Its small footprint and closed loop keeps users of all ages contained in a manageable area much like a soccer field or play structure. Family members can use other park amenities while bicycle enthusiasts can have their fill of fun. 2020 has seen a 20% increase in total bicycle users. Lifestyle changes imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have been a huge factor in this growth. The pandemic has inspired millions of Americans to reassess what’s important and ask themselves how they want to live. A new concept of modern living is taking shape: it's slower paced, more focused on people and simple pleasures, and better for the planet. Bike riding is a growing part of this – for many a newfound lifestyle. This year, nearly one in three Americans will ride a bike. Bicycling is becoming more mainstream, more popular and more important as a timely solution to daunting societal challenges. This includes an exponential growth rate in Leelanau County and surrounding regions.
While Leelanau County has a growing number of bike-related recreational opportunities, we see time and again that there is a barrier to access for individuals and families alike in the need to drive to trail systems. Herman Park’s proximity to Suttons Bay Schools, the TART Trail, downtown Suttons Bay, and a BETA drop off and pick up location provides the community with an accessible bike destination – increasing opportunities for the local community as a whole.
While Leelanau County has a growing number of bike-related recreational opportunities, we see time and again that there is a barrier to access for individuals and families alike in the need to drive to trail systems. Herman Park’s proximity to Suttons Bay Schools, the TART Trail, downtown Suttons Bay, and a BETA drop off and pick up location provides the community with an accessible bike destination – increasing opportunities for the local community as a whole.
Donations are now being accepted for "Herman Park Pump Track".
As NMMBA is Bike Leelanau's fiduciary, donations will be accepted through NMMBA. *If you choose to make your donation by check, please make checks payable to "NMMBA" and include "Herman Park Pump Track" in the memo.
Mailing address is:
Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association (NMMBA)
P.O. Box 206
Acme, MI 49610
To donate online, click the button below! Thanks for your support!
As NMMBA is Bike Leelanau's fiduciary, donations will be accepted through NMMBA. *If you choose to make your donation by check, please make checks payable to "NMMBA" and include "Herman Park Pump Track" in the memo.
Mailing address is:
Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association (NMMBA)
P.O. Box 206
Acme, MI 49610
To donate online, click the button below! Thanks for your support!
