The Council held a public consultation from 24 June to 31 July 2022 which outlined a range of locations in Haddington, Tranent and Prestonpans which could accommodate a pump track.
A brief description accompanied each location highlighting key factors which could impact upon development such as the presence of other play equipment, proximity to neighbouring properties or other facilities, and the availability of parking.
Whittingehame Drive North in Haddington, Cemetery Park in Prestonpans and Polson Park in Tranent were identified as the highest scoring locations for each town. 949 responses were received to the consultations with the majority of participants indicating they were 'strongly or somewhat strongly' support for the development of a Pump Track.
Separately, Musselburgh Community Pump Track group held its own consultation on locations for a track within that area. 36% of the 545 responses favoured an area beside Musselburgh East Community Learning Centre as the preferred location for a new track.
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Officers will now progress surveys of the amenity land at those locations to determine the best position before bringing forward detailed proposals and designs for a formal planning submission. There will be a further opportunity to comment on the detailed proposals when submitted as part of the Planning process. The council has set aside £250,000 in its capital budget to support the development of pump tracks in East Lothian and has also applied to Sportscotland for funding.
Across all four sites respondents outlined their desire to see accessibility for a variety of ages, abilities and mobility included in the final proposals as well as suggestions to improve provision around tracks. All of these suggestions will be considered as part of the design process.
Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing Councillor Colin McGinn said: "I am grateful to all of the people who came forward to take part in our consultation and particularly to all of the young people who took part and made sure their voice was heard. Having identified spaces of amenity land which were of an adequate size to hold a track, it was essential that these were shared so that communities could comment on the locations and indicate their views on pump tracks more generally.
"We will now use this information to shape our next steps in terms of the design of tracks at the preferred locations working closely with stakeholders. Each of the tracks will be subject to a planning application and we look forward to sharing details on this process later in the year.
"We believe that pump tracks are a great, free facility to skate, scoot and cycle at regardless of age or ability. It's great to see such strong support for the proposals from our communities."
