LABRADOR WEST, N.L.
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
CANADA
For people who enjoy fun on wheels like bikes, scooters, skateboards and even roller blades, the latest addition to the recreation area on Booth Avenue in Labrador City is a thrilling one.
A new pump track has just been installed directly across from the skate park.
Graham Cooke, operations supervisor and skate park specialist with Canadian Ramp Company in Ontario was in Labrador City recently along with recreation department workers to assemble and install a new pump track.
What’s a pump track you ask? Think of it as a 3D track that runs a loop that has hills, turns and lots of opportunity to catch some big air, and do some impressive moves.
Cooke told The Aurora the track is made of fiberglass so it’s very durable and tough, but it’s modular and can be assembled in different configurations. It’s easy to add extra track to expand the size of it. Around the track there is sod and mulch, to help prevent injury in the case of falls or spills.
Canadian Ramp Company also installed the skate park just near the new track.
“Our company has installed parks and tracks, not just here in Canada but in the States and many other parts of the world, even as far away as Hong Kong,” he said.
That worldwide reputation attests to the work the company performs, says Jim Dobbin of Tricklane Sk8board Association in Labrador West.
“There is a lot more room for young people to come out and enjoy the outdoors and get involved the healthy activities and there’s less chance for the boarders and bikers to be in each other’s way,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cooke sees this as a great step for the young people in the area. He says younger people want more of this kind of thing, not just organized events, but a place you can go alone or with friends, whenever you choose to.
The new pump track adds to an area that already features tennis courts, basketball court, ballfield, skateboard park, curling club and arena. These facilities/amenities cater to all ages and levels of ability.