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MARIETTA – Bicycles are now sporting new tricks on the recently added asphalt pump track at Gunlock Park behind the Lowe’s on Pike Street.
When Lowe’s was originally built, it excavated the area to place the building. The remaining land behind the store left over from construction was donated to the city by the developer, according to Ryan Smith, owner of the Marietta Adventure Co.
“Since then, it was just sitting dormant because the foliage wasn’t matured yet,” said Smith. “We reached a point where the trees were maturing on the property and we saw the opportunity to put it to good use.”
The pump track is a bike track that involves riders pushing on their handlebars on the downhill to build the momentum that would carry them throughout the entire loop without having to pedal.
“A pump track works a lot like a BMX track, but it’s narrower,” explained Smith. “If you pumped on the backside of the rollers, you can ride the track without pedaling – the down-force helps to generate speed.”
The park is open during daylight hours every day of the week.
The idea for the pump track found its legs about a year ago when Smith found a grant source and decided to apply.
“Basically, about a year ago, I discovered a possible grant opportunity that would fund the start of some of the work at the park,” he said. “That’s what funded all of the development and what has put everything into place.”
The grant was for $20,000 and thus far, $21,000 has been spent to provide the trails, dirt ramps and pump track. With the help of McKee Foods – with whom the grant was funded- the 24-acre property has turned into a family-friendly trail park.
Smith said they were accepting donations through the Marietta Trail Maintenance Fund at the Marietta Community Foundation.
“It’s actually a really beautiful piece of property,” said Smith. “It’s unique to any other piece of property in town because it’s actually a pretty level piece of property whereas other trails in the area are a very hilly terrain.”
The park was meant for all ages and a variety of skill levels, he said.
“It actually can accommodate little kids, but to ride it really efficiently, it can be challenging,” said Smith. “So it can appeal to a wide range of people and you can wear yourself out pretty quickly trying to ride fast laps around the track.”
The trail and pump track are accessible as there is plenty of places to park directly beside the park behind Lowe’s and driving around is easy with plenty of room.
According to Caleb Hall, 20, of Marietta the pump track is a great place to have fun and build skills.
“It’s a great way to get outside and just get active, really; it’s a nice place to be and you get a little bit of woods back there,” said Hall. “It’s just something to get into that’s new while also going in there and meeting new people.”
He said riding on the pump track is a thrill.
“It’s fast,” said Hall. “You don’t want to use your brakes if you want to carry on your momentum.”