A PROPOSED wheel park area in Ellon has secured support from North-east world champion cyclists, Neah Evans and Neil Fachie, at a pivotal stage in its progress.
The community steering group behind Ellon Wheel Park, recently announced that they have submitted a planning application for the park. The plan is to provide Ellon with a unique wheel park area consisting of a mountain bike pump track, a cycle circuit and a skate park.
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Group chair, Colin Allanach, said: “The vision is to create a multi-wheeled, multi-disciplined sport facility in Ellon that is accessible and inclusive to all and will inspire people to get on a bike, scooter, skateboard or skates.”
The group has already raised £12,000 to complete a feasibility study and progress the project to the stage where they can apply for funding from SportScotland/Scottish Cycling facilities, as part of the funding tied in with the Cycling World Championships coming to Scotland in 2023.
Paralympic and reigning World Champion cyclist, Neil Fachie MBE, from Aberdeen, recorded a video outlining his support of the project. Strichen’s Olympic silver medal winner, Neah Evans, has also gone on record to highlight why she would like to see the wheel park cross the finish line: “My own experiences of racing have taken me to places I would never otherwise have been, have encouraged and developed friendships across geographic boundaries and given me an enduring pride at representing my team and my country.
“In order for others to have these opportunities, facilities need to be provided and I wholeheartedly support and approve the Ellon Wheel Park, and wish the committee success in bringing their dreams to fruition.”
A survey showed over that over 99% of local respondents support the project, which has received many letters of support from local groups, businesses, schools and individuals, as well as generous funding donations.
Colin added: “Some youths don’t do well in team and organised sports, but we see how adrenaline sports like mountain biking and skateboarding can have a positive influence on people’s lives and mental wellbeing. Ellon has grown significantly in the last 20 years, but amenities haven’t necessarily kept pace with house-building.”
“Particularly after what young people have gone through over the last two years, now more than ever it’s imperative that we give them a chance to focus on learning and developing new skills and positive behaviours, and it is our firm belief that this facility will help that. Having said that, the wheel park will be there for anyone of any age and ability level – our underpinning philosophy in creating this facility is providing a locally accessible, fun environment for anyone looking to take part in wheel sports.”
Provision has also made in the plans for areas where cyclists can learn or re-learn cycling skills in a traffic-free environment. With more and more people choosing active travel solutions for environmental and health reasons, the facility will help riders gain confidence on their bikes before heading out on trails and on the road.
The circuit will also help the thriving Ythan Cycle Club and TrYthan Triathlon Club in Ellon to develop their training programmes, and offer a wider variety of activities and opportunities for local triathletes and cyclists across all disciplines.
The wheel park group envision that this unique facility will offer an added benefit of bringing visitors to the town, helping to promote local businesses such as cafes and shops. Colin added: “There is a flourishing adrenaline sport tourist industry, with skaters and cyclists travelling to experience different parks and trails all over the country. A highly rated park is likely to attract more visitors to Ellon, and stimulate a virtuous cycle of improvement and regeneration to the town.”
As the group proceed with their development of the wheel park facility, they have set up a GoFundMe fundraising page:
