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Aliso Viejo council forms ad hoc group to explore youth pump track after student pitch
Summary
After a youth-led presentation, the City Council voted to appoint an ad hoc committee to work with the Aliso Viejo Community Association and stakeholders to pursue site selection, fundraising and a work plan for a proposed pump track at Springdale Park or the Aliso Creek Trailhead.
A delegation of Aliso Viejo students and adult advocates persuaded the City Council on Tuesday to take a first step toward a community pump track, a looping circuit for bikes, scooters and skateboards aimed at giving young people a safe place to ride.
Gavin Duncan, who introduced the proposal on behalf of local youth, said the group visited the San Clemente pump track and studied logistics, design and funding options. “We met with the city manager of San Clemente, and we are here tonight to inform you about our findings,” he said.
Presenters and cycling advocates listed likely locations (Springdale Park and the Aliso Creek Trailhead), explained that a usable pump track typically requires roughly a half acre of flat land and nearby restrooms, and described community and health benefits including improved balance, fitness and mental health. Will Rechnemold said pump tracks are “a safe and fun way to exercise” usable by a range of ages and abilities.
Adults with the Orange County Mountain Biking Association and other advocates described procurement and funding lessons from San Clemente: they reported a public construction record of roughly $620,000 for the San Clemente track and estimated the full project there at under three quarters of a million dollars once landscaping and irrigation were added. One advocate said corporate and community sponsorship had covered large portions of that project, naming a $200,000 lead sponsorship and a later $100,000 commitment.
Council members pressed the group on logistics. Council member Munzing cautioned that much of the available parkland is controlled by the local association, not the city, and that the ad hoc committee would need to coordinate closely with that body. The presenters and AVCA President Sara Tehrani said the association was open to discussion and collaboration.
Mayor Pro Tem Max Duncan moved to appoint an ad hoc committee made up of Council members Duncan and Zimbergen, and to ask staff to allocate time to develop a work plan for future council consideration. The motion was seconded and passed by roll call vote.
What happens next: the ad hoc committee will meet with AVCA and stakeholders to refine site options, fundraising strategies and a timeline; staff will return with a work plan and potential future agenda items.
