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Aliso Viejo council moves forward on pump track project and earmarks park-in-lieu funds
Summary
The city council directed staff to begin due diligence on a proposed pump track and placed $825,000 in park‑in‑lieu fees in next year’s capital plan to fund planning and initial steps. Supporters cited youth engagement, health benefits and potential tourism revenue.
Mayor Duncan and councilors voted to advance a proposed pump‑track project, authorizing staff to begin diligence and placing $825,000 in park‑in‑lieu fees into the city’s next capital improvement plan for the project.
The council heard a presentation from Dave Browning of the Orange County Mountain Bike Association, who outlined benefits ranging from youth physical activity and mental health to community gathering space and potential event tourism. Browning said OCMTBA can advise on site selection, concept design and vendor management and described a concept that would be among the largest in the county.
The mayor framed the request as a next step to move from concept to feasibility, asking the council “to authorize and direct staff to begin diligence for all aspects related to the development of a pump track, request that $825,000 in park‑in‑lieu fees be appropriated and included in next year’s fiscal capital improvement plan and to report back with findings in an actionable plan in 30 days.”
Public speakers and local vendors spoke in favor, saying families currently travel outside Aliso Viejo to use pump tracks and that the amenity is low‑maintenance and widely accessible. Resident Kevin Shaw told the council the facility “is a very inclusive city amenity that requires little maintenance, accessible to all ages.”
Council members discussed two practical questions: whether to authorize staff to proceed with due diligence only or also to earmark the park‑in‑lieu funds now, and how easily an appropriation could be reversed if feasibility or costs change. Interim city staff replied that appropriations can be adjusted in later budget actions and that earmarking funds makes it easier to engage vendors and partners.
After debate, Council member Munzing moved the motion (as proposed) and Council member Garrett seconded. The council approved the motion in a voice vote with the members present voting in the affirmative. The action directs staff to begin feasibility work and places $825,000 in park‑in‑lieu funds into the draft capital plan to be considered during the upcoming budget process; the council retained the ability to reduce or remove the appropriation later depending on staff findings.
Why it matters: Councilors and presenters emphasized the pump track as a low‑maintenance, multigenerational recreation amenity that could provide local youth programming, community gathering space and modest event tourism revenue. Because the funds used are restricted park‑in‑lieu fees, council discussion focused on whether the investment fits statutory limits on those fees and on identifying a suitable park site.
What’s next: Staff will report back with a feasibility plan and recommendations in the timeframe the council requested; final construction or contract awards would require separate council approvals.
