Cycle Tumbarumba received $224,130 from the NSW Government to build the Tumbarumba Bike Playground, including building concrete paths, painting line markings, making play-sized road signage, installing play equipment and completing landscaping.
Cycle Tumbarumba’s Peter Marshall says the benefits of the new learn-to-ride park are twofold.
“This park gives young children and those learning to ride a bike, or any kind of wheeled toy a fun and safe place to learn, practice road awareness, engage in simulated road play and just enjoy being outside in our fresh Snowy Valley’s air,” Mr Marshall said.
“It’s also part of Cycle Tumbarumba’s destination masterplan, which will put Tumba on the map as a premier cycling destination for riders of all ages and abilities.”
The town is already the start point of the popular 21 kilometre Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail with thousands of biking enthusiasts taking in the scenic countryside each year.
The region also features more than 32 mountain bike trails, with more set to open by the end of 2024, so the new bike playground means even the littlest legs can enjoy a pedal during a family cycling stay.
Bike Playground user and parent Felicity Anderson said until the park opened Tumbarumba didn’t have a dedicated, safe space for young riders to practice.
“Learning to ride a bike is a life-long skill and it’s wonderful to have this space in Tumbarumba for kids to learn and practice riding safely and now the play space at the creek is all joined with the pump track and skate park, it truly does provide something for everyone,” Mrs Anderson said.
“My kids love it we go often and meet up with other families for picnics or just to let the kids tear around the track and burn up some energy and kids of all ages are always there on bikes using the different facilities.”
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Executive Director Harriet Whyte said learning to ride a bike is an important skill and she’s pleased to see the community creating a space for it.
“This facility lets our youngest riders get comfortable in the seat in a safe and welcoming environment, setting them up to enjoy time outdoors with family and friends and laying the groundwork for a lifetime of good health habits,” Ms Whyte said.
Cycle Tumbarumba says it’s estimated the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail brings 5000 visitors to the Snowy Valleys town each year, and around half of those are also expected to use the bike playground precinct.
“Tumbarumba is evolving into a real cycling hotspot for everyone, and with facilities like the playground, pump track, and rail trail and cross-country mountain bike trail network already in place, we’re well on our way,” Mr Marshall said.
“We’re gearing up to launch a new major gravity-based mountain bike trail network which is going to be really exciting, and all of these facilities have been driven by volunteers with the aim of supporting healthy lifestyles and driving tourism to support the economy and job creation.”
The Tumbarumba Bike Playground in Goldfields Park officially opened in March 2024, and is located near the existing skate park and pump track to allow young users to progress through various riding skill levels and learn from each other.
