Rolling out the red carpet for the new Bike Skills Playground

UPDATE 3 SEPT: We are disappointed to announce that due to rain and high winds, the Spin Fest Cringila event for today has been cancelled in the interests of community safety.

We’re excited to share that the new mountain bike skills playground at Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park is now open and ready to roll!

On Friday 2 September the new bike skills playground was officially opened. The facility expands the impressive offer at the Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park to now include mountain bike and walking trails, a pump track, all abilities playground and accessible picnic shelter.

The bike skills playground provides riders the opportunity to develop and hone their skills before using the mountain bike trails. It’s the perfect space for beginners and less-confident riders who want to improve their bike handling skills including balance, cornering, jumping and navigating small drops.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that the bike skills playground would add the final piece in the Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park puzzle.

“Wollongong City Council has completed a lot of work over the past 12 months to transform this site into an exceptional mountain bike and cycling facility. We’re pleased to share that the final piece of work, the Bike Skills Playground, is now complete and ready for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy,” Cr Bradbery said.

“Thank you to the NSW Government for their continued support and whose funding has allowed us to fast-track this project sooner than originally planned.

“The Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park, and in particular the bike skills playground, is a fantastic facility that suits riders of a range of skills and abilities. We have worked hard to make sure that this park caters to everyone, whether you are brand new to mountain bike riding, have lots of experience, or just want to enjoy a nice spot for a picnic or walk.”

Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said the addition of the bike skills park was important as it ensured the community-focussed space is providing a range of riding opportunities to suit all levels.

“We’re very proud of our UCI Bike City status and one of the most important things out of hosting the UCI Road Cycling Championships later this month is its legacy,’’ he said.

“We’re grateful to the NSW Government that their 10 World Cups in 10 years initiative, which has resulted in this prestigious cycling event coming to our city, providing Wollongong the exciting opportunity to host such a huge global event.”

“This, in turn, has seen financial investment in our city from both the Federal and State Governments that has allowed us to fast-track some projects like this awesome place at Cringila. This is something for our whole community to enjoy and be proud of.’’

If you’re keen to check out the skills park, don’t miss Spin Fest Cringila. Being held on Saturday 3 September, it’s a family fun day at the park that promises food trucks, music, entertainment, bike skills workshops, and more! We’ll also welcome the Tour da Country community riders as they arrive at the event.

Read more in our media release: “Community celebration coming to Cringila Hills ahead of UCI”.

Image: (Left to right) Dale Wright, Uncle Brian Green, and Shane Black - proud members of Tour da Country.

This project is proudly funded by the NSW Government Public Spaces Legacy Program.

The NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program is a once in a generation investment in high quality public open space. Together with the NSW Government, Wollongong City Council is delivering infrastructure for communities to love the place they live. The NSW Government is contributing $1.8 million to the Cringila Hills Bike Track.

For more information about the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program, visit the NSW Government website. Ride Nation Centre Coordinator – Wollongong, Alex Mayland said that Ride Nation Wollongong is excited about the next instalment of the Cringila Hills Mountain Bike project.

“The new skills park will provide a great location and opportunity for new, aspiring, and seasoned bike riders to develop their skills and abilities. We are looking forward to working with Wollongong City Council to support the community of Wollongong at Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park.”

For more information on Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park and its range of attractions see our Cringila Hills Recreation Park webpage.