Ipswich City Council will install additional facilities at the $3.3 million Ipswich Cycle Park which will be number one and two priorities for many cyclists, runners and walkers.
Since the park opened in March, users have had to rely on a handful of portaloos at the main race staging area and a small shelter used by race officials on the inside of the track for sun protection.
But now, council will install a large new concrete platform covered by an 8.5m x 6m shade structure and a drinking fountain, adjacent to the existing cycle park spectator area (near the Briggs Rd Sports Complex end).
Acting Works, Parks and Sport Committee Chairman Cr David Morrison said there will also be the installation of a toilet block as part of the total $240,000 council project at Raceview.
“Associated concrete footpaths will be installed to link the existing spectator area to the proposed new covered drinking fountain area and the toilet block,” he said.
Division 8 Cr Charlie Pisasale, whose division includes the cycle park, said the shelter and toilets will be welcomed by the thousands of people who use the six-month-old facility on a daily basis and loudly sing its praises.
“It will complement the initial stage one development and make the cycle park even more inviting for cyclists, young and old, elite or amateur, and the families who come along to enjoy the facility, and spectators cheering at various events staged here to date,” he said.
Acting Mayor Cr Wayne Wendt said the cycle park, which includes a 1.7km asphalt circuit that can be configured to three different lengths (1.31km loop, 1.08km loop, 400m oval), had proved to be one of the recent success stories of council.
“It is a fantastic facility which the community loves. Future development will include a clubhouse, additional car parking and formalised learn-to-ride area. We are very proud of what has been created here, through the good work of local cycling groups, council and government,” he said.
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