Pump up the fun: new track gets underway

The Sunshine Coast’s newest pump track is now under construction at Forestwood Drive Park, Buderim.

Sunshine Coast Council is building the pump track, which promises to be an exciting recreational asset for the young, and young at heart.

Sunshine Coast Council Division 7 Councillor Ted Hungerford shared his enthusiasm for the project.

“We’ve listened to what our community wanted and a pump track in Buderim was strongly supported by residents who are seeking different recreation opportunities close by,” Cr Hungerford said.

“The pump track design has a focus on beginner and intermediate local riders, and I know it will be popular with young families and kids of all ages.

“I’m thrilled we are delivering this facility for Buderim, and working together with our community was a great opportunity for residents to help shape our local recreation areas.”

Community feedback on location and design

In September 2023, Council invited the community to share their thoughts on the best location for a track.

In December 2024 the location and concept design were again shared with the community, and in January 2025 Council invited the community to have their say on the design.

“I appreciate all those who took the time to provide feedback when we asked for your input on the location for the pump track, and again with the design,” Cr Hungerford said.

“We considered the feedback received from our community and have incorporated some of the excellent suggestions into the design of the pump track and surrounds.

“Some of the amendments we made include better buffer planting and barriers, more seating for park users to sit and watch the action, shade trees, and screen planting along the fence lines of adjacent properties.

“We will also investigate providing a shade sail over the pump track and a drink fountain in the park, for possible implementation in future years.

“This is another example of how we are connecting and engaging with our communities to build a better future for everyone.

“I look forward to seeing the track in action once complete!”

You can view a copy of the final design for the pump track, including the amendments Council made to the concept plan on Have Your Say Sunshine Coast.

Next steps

Council’s design team thanked everyone who provided feedback on the proposal.

Construction started on February 3, 2025 and is scheduled for completion in early April 2025, weather and site conditions permitting.

What makes a track a pump track?

It is a track where you generate momentum on your bike by up and down body movements, instead of pedalling or pushing.

Pump tracks cater to all members of the community, creating a space that unites people from diverse backgrounds.

You can road test Council’s popular Sugar Bag Road Pump Track in Caloundra West to see what makes a great pump track. It’s a track for all skill levels and will get your heart pumping!

The pump track proposal

The pump track has been designed to have a small footprint to maintain the large open space for kick and throw activities.

The track will be lightly embellished with amenity planting to the residential side of the new track to improve the shade cover in the park.

The decision to build the pump track in this location was made after careful consideration of several factors, including the location which:

• is outside flood and stormwater overflow zones, ensuring safety and longevity
• allows for two minor overland flow pathways to route stormwater around the pump track
• avoids the need for major stormwater pipes under the track
• offers better access and poses less risk to existing assets and infrastructure
• avoids significant tree protection zones and preserves natural habitats.

Background

In developing Council's Recreation Parks Plan 2021, the Buderim community indicated they would like to see more informal sport opportunities for teenagers and young adults in the area.

After reviewing the feedback and assessing the existing informal sport opportunities in the area, Council identified Buderim as an ideal location for a pump track.

In September 2023, we invited community feedback on the best location for a pump track and received support to build the track at Forestwood Drive Park.

The community engagement findings can be viewed on Have Your Say Sunshine Coast.