The Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority (GARA) Board of Directors voted Monday to create a bicycle pump track in the rec park.
The track is to be constructed near the existing skate park.
A pump track is a continuous loop of dirt berms and mounds. The riders navigate without pedaling, using a pumping motion as they circle the track, which can be used by cyclists of all ages and skill levels.
Board member Jimmy
Phelps said the track would be created using volunteers. “There are a lot of volunteers available, including HABPI and other local organizations,” said Phelps.
“The closest tracks now are in Frederick and Chambersburg,” said Phelps. “It wouldn’t be anything crazy. There would be waist-high jumps.”
“It will be appropriate for kids,” said Phelps. “We’ll start off small with just a couple of jumps and couple of turns.”
“A lot of people are pumped up about it,” said Phelps. “It would be a good opportunity to get some more people in the park in a spot that nobody is using.”
Board president Steve Toddes said there was “a big pile of topsoil” at the park that could be used.
GARA welcomed Robin Fitzpatrick as the newest member of the board of directors.
FItzpatrick
“I am a resident of the borough. I live in Colt Park,” said Fitzgerald. “I grew up in Gettysburg. I left for college and I came back. I worked in health care for a long time and now I work at Adams Economic Alliance. I’ve been there for 20 years. I’m happy to be here,” said Fitzgerald.
Executive Director Erin Peddigree said GARA ended March with about $88,000 on hand but said not much money is coming in because there have been a lot of cancellations.
“We’ve had to refund about $2,100. A lot of people want to postpone,” said Peddigree. “We’re hopeful they’ll still be able to come out.”
The coronavirus has turned GARA “Upside-down, sideways, and backward,” said board member Steve Niebler.
Right now we’re alright, but it’s going to be rough, said Toddes. “We’re not spending any money we don’t have to.”
Board member Jake Schindel said there were some opportunities for grants that GARA could look into and Fitzgerald said she would do that. “We’re kind of in a weird middle ground for knowing what grants we can apply for,” said Peddigree.
Peddigree said the skate park, basketball court, and playgrounds are still closed and the Fireman’s Carnival and the Library FunFest have been cancelled.
Staffing hours have been cut in half,” said Peddigree. “Maintenance is coming in a few hours in the morning.”
Peddigree said the dog park grass has been reseeded and the borough is taking out some of the trees that have died or are dying.
“We don’t know what’s going on with Little League. I don’t know if it’s going to happen in the spring,” said Peddigree.
Peddigree said a lot of families had been having “science lessons” with their children in the park near Stevens Run.
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.