The Newark-based YMCA Community & Activity Village welcomed special guests and supporters from organisations, including Tarmac, to celebrate the official opening of new cycling facilities.
The impressive facilities include pump tracks, a community green trail, and a learn-to-ride area, and promise to further develop active living in Newark. Veronica Pickering MBE DL, the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, welcomed the opportunity to officiate the opening and highlighted the positive impact these facilities will have on the local community.
Veronica Pickering MBE DL, High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, said: “It’s an honour to be a part of this occasion at the YMCA Village. As the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, I’m passionate about fostering a vibrant and active community. These fantastic cycling facilities bring opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.”
The occasion presented an opportunity to extend thanks to generous funders, including the YMCA Robin Hood Group. In addition to their invaluable support, the cycling facilities came to fruition thanks to a £100,000 grant from the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund, and additional funding from Sport England, British Cycling’s Places to Ride programme, and Newark & Sherwood District Council.
As the ceremony unfolded, local young BMX racing enthusiasts seized the spotlight, showcasing their skills on the tracks. Finley Cranidge, Hari Pritchard and Seren Pritchard, all compete at a national level and will use the tracks for future competition practice, underscoring the facility’s potential to nurture local talent.
Kevin Mawby, unit manager for Tarmac, said: “We’re proud to play an active part in our local communities and to be able to celebrate what is a fantastic addition to the YMCA Community & Activity Village. It’s great to see the facilities open following a grant from the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund and thanks to the generous support from other funders.”
Jonathan Couves, strategic lead, major capital investment projects at Sport England, said: “Cycling offers numerous physical and mental health benefits for everyone, regardless of age or ability. It’s especially exciting to see the facility attracting local talent and providing a platform for them to showcase their skills. This new facility is certain to become a beloved addition to Newark.”
Children from local schools, including John Hunt Primary School and Barnby Road Academy, were also present to experience the tracks first-hand. Their involvement exemplified the facility’s accessibility and appeal to the younger generation.
Steve Johnson, cycling delivery manager for the East Midlands at British Cycling, said: “Our Places to Ride initiative strives to bolster new provisions within local communities, igniting a passion for cycling, fostering community connections, with a multitude of options across the trails and tracks, it presents an opportunity that will delight individuals of all ages and backgrounds for generations to come.”
Matt Lamb, director for planning and growth at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “We want to encourage healthy living and provide Newark residents with the facilities to keep fit and happy in the town. It was important that the cycle tracks are accessible to as many people as possible which is why it has been designed for a wide range of abilities and users from young children to professional racers.
“Along with the climbing centre, football pitches, education, event spaces and more, the YMCA Community & Activity Village is bringing leisure, pleasure and healthy living together in one place.”
Todd Cauthorn, executive director, YMCA Newark & Sherwood, added: “We’re thrilled to see the YMCA Village Cycling Facilities officially open and embraced by our community. This is more than just a cycling facility; it’s a testament to our commitment to providing diverse opportunities for active living and fostering talent right here in Newark. We extend our gratitude to all our supporters, funders, and look forward to welcoming everyone to experience our new cycling facilities.”
The YMCA Village Cycling Facilities are open seven days a week and can be booked online. Prices start from just £2.50 for children, and are included in Villager Membership, making it an accessible and exciting destination for everyone in Newark.
The Landfill Communities Fund was established by the Government in 1996. It enables landfill operators to donate part of their annual tax liability to enrolled Environmental Bodies for a variety of approved community and environmental projects. Through the fund, Tarmac donates around £1 million to projects each year. For more information, visit www.entrust.org.uk or email det@derbyshire.gov.uk
