Widespread public support for Northampton pump track as committee gathers testimony; decision deferred

Dozens of residents, cycling-club volunteers, parents and teachers urged the Northampton Community Preservation Committee on Nov. 5 to fund a proposed Northampton Community Pump Track, saying the paved track would give children and adults a free, accessible place to ride and gather.

Committee Chair Bridal Adams said the meeting was a public-comment session on five proposals and that formal recommendations would likely be made at the committee's next meeting on Nov. 19. No funding motion for the pump track was made on Nov. 5.

Supporters described the pump track as a "third space" for unsupervised play and a way to improve youth mental and physical health. Sheila Brosnan, who said she helps lead Reconnect Western Mass, told the committee, "We need third spaces where kids can hang out, meet new people, be outdoors, move their bodies, and be independent." Brosnan cited a regional prevention-needs assessment and said excessive social-media use correlates with higher rates of depression and anxiety among teens.

Northampton Cycling Club volunteers and parents said the track would expand access to biking skills and serve a range of ages and abilities. Tom, a club volunteer, said a dedicated facility would let the club run regular youth programs and "when we get kids moving, a lot of magical, wonderful things happen in kids' lives." Matthew Soetcher, co-manager of NCC youth programs and a school adjustment counselor, said the pump track could help children take healthy risks and build confidence.

Business owners and recreation leaders also testified about local demand and economic spillover. Dan Jubin, co-owner of Theory Skate Shop, said a pump track would bring new users to an underused skate-park area and provide beginner-friendly features currently lacking. Several speakers noted families already travel to Keene or other towns for pump-track facilities and said a local track would keep those visits in Northampton's economy.

Supporters emphasized inclusivity. Constantine Boybicka noted properly constructed pump tracks can be used by people with mobility impairments and said the proposed design would be accessible. Multiple parents and teachers said the facility would be especially valuable for children who do not participate in organized team sports but benefit from unstructured outdoor play.

The committee did not deliberate or vote on funding at the Nov. 5 session. Chair Adams encouraged written comments to staff and reminded the public the committee meets again on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 7:00 p.m. to consider recommendations to the City Council.

Next steps: the committee will receive any written comments submitted to staff before the Nov. 19 meeting and will review a revised financial report that staff said she would circulate in advance.