Mountain bikers rejoice! There is a new pump track for bicycle enthusiasts near Seaside’s Cartwright Park.

“Years ago, Cartwright Park was just a bunch of blackberries and a phone booth where people made their deals,” said Seaside Mayor Don Larson.

Now, the new pump track is adjacent to a park that already has a picnic shelter, swing sets, restrooms and play structures. “The pump track is a real neat addition.”

A pump track is a looping bike track with bumps and berms where bikers can “pump” their body up and down, creating momentum without pedaling over the bumps.

“Pump tracks are gathering places for the community,” said Chris Quackenbush, a North Coast Trail Alliance member. “Riding the track gets kids and adults off their phones and computers for great exercise outdoors.”

“The pump track idea came as a stepping stone to promote more bike riding in the community,” said Morgan Soller, one of the driving members of trail alliance.

“We came up with a location that we thought would accommodate a bike track on city property,” said Quackenbush. The location is in an area easily accessible by bicycle.

After developing a basic track design for the space, the trail alliance approached the Seaside Parks Advisory Committee with the idea.

Seaside Public Works Director Dale McDowell was impressed with the meeting. “The presentation featured members from ages 7 to 70, who explained to the board with photographs and concept drawings how they would like to develop the space.”

“It was an unsightly space near the park that was simply flat ground breeding invasive species,” said Quackenbush of the space behind the Seaside School District Administration Building.

After talking to Kiwanis, which has adopted Cartwright Park, a neighborhood survey, redesigns and more presentations to Seaside’s Planning Commission and the City Council, the project was approved at the end of April.

“The Seaside City Council is pleased to see this group of men doing something upbeat for their kids, families and visitors,” Larson said.

Brush clearing, rock loading, sifting through materials to pack into the curved surface of the track were all tasks that were accomplished by the trail alliance and community volunteers. Materials and supplies were donated by All Rents, Keith Keranen Excavating, Teevin & Fischer Quarry, Erickson Excavating, Osburn/Olson LLC, Angelina’s Pizza, Seaside Coffee House, Fairweather Press, TerraCom Web Design. Northwest Coast Trails Coalition donated funds for the sign.

Volunteers spent many hours building, packing and refining the track. “Moving tons of rock by hand was back-breaking,” Soller said.

“Pump tracks are great exercise and a chance for kids and older people to improve their bike skills,” said Soller.

McDowell said he likes the idea of families participating in outdoor activities together. “More experienced riders can teach younger riders how to ride the track, bringing the community and neighbors together.

“I have witnessed firsthand the use of the pump track — especially young children on their bicycles — they are having a blast. I feel this is a great asset to our park system and to our community.”

Sue Cody is communications lead for Way to Wellville in Clatsop County. She is also a former deputy managing editor of The Daily Astorian.