Felton Pump Track Update: Designs Completed, Fundraising Kicks Off
Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship, the nonprofit spearheading the design and implentation of a new pump track at Felton Covered Bridge Park, has annnounced designs completeds and a shift into a fundraising phase.
In a statement in SCMTS’ recent newsletter, organizers confirm, “Today, we’re pleased to announce that the Felton Pump Track is moving forward! All designs and approvals for the track are officially done. This 3D rendering (see image above) gives a glimpse into what the track will look like once complete. Direct access from the sidewalk, native plants, split-rail fencing, and striping and direction arrows for increased safety.”
$550,000 will need to be raised to cover materials and labor before construction can begin. SCMTS describes the track as a closed circuit of berms, rollers, and turns. The project was approved unanimously by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors in December 2023 allowing SCMTS to enter into a partnership with County Parks for fundraising and construction. Both groups are actively pursuing sponsorships, grants, and corporate and individual donations.
“As a Felton resident, I’m absolutely thrilled to see this project move forward,” said Matt De Young, Executive Director of Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship. “Pump tracks across the region inspire thousands of families to play outside together and build their skills in a welcoming environment each year. I’m excited to bring a new track to Downtown Felton so that my neighborhood has a place to come together and grow stronger through a shared love of outdoor fun.”
The Felton Pump Track footprint will be 10,000 square feet with 5,000 square-foot asphalt surface. The track will be installed at the site of the volleyball court which deterioriated due to lack of funding directed to the park. SCMTS has promised that portions of the track will be sunken into the ground to preserve views of the historic bridge and that “a robust stormwater retention system will minimize flooding and contain any track runoff onsite.”
“SCMTS is a local non-profit that has supported outdoor access for years, and they are expert pump track builders, too! We feel lucky to have them by our side as we bring new outdoor recreation to downtown Felton,” said Rebecca Hurley of Santa Cruz County Parks. “There’s magic in a day spent outside, and it’s through new resources like this pump track that more residents of the San Lorenzo Valley can enjoy the beauty, adventure, and fun of our local park resources.”
Once all funding is in place, SCMTS anticipates a 12-week construction window to build the track. Following construction, SCMTS will gift the pump track to Santa Cruz County Parks for a formal opening and ongoing management.
Read our article from December 2023: Felton Pump Track Proposal Raises Concerns https://slvpost.com/felton-pump-track-proposal-raises-concerns.
More information about Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship at https://santacruztrails.org
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