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Local teen pitches volunteer-built pump track at Brookside Park
Summary
High-school student Ethan Robertson presented a volunteer-driven pump track proposal for Brookside Park (an Animal Acres Park extension), estimating materials costs of about $1,500 and a 3–6 month build timeline after approvals; staff offered Parks Board and permitting guidance.
Ethan Robertson presented a community pump track proposal to the Lake Forest Park City Council on June 25, describing a compact dirt track with rollers and berms designed to fit an upland area in Brookside Park (listed in the city's capital plan as an active recreation area).
Robertson told the council he and a partner developed the design with volunteer community collaborators — including a retired surveyor and architect — and estimated modest material costs: roughly $750 for dirt, $500 for cinder blocks as retaining walls, and about $250 for hand tools. He said they planned to avoid tree impacts and protected wetland buffers, would not use heavy machinery and expected volunteer work parties and possible technical assistance from the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA).
Council members praised the presentation, suggested introductions to staff resources (Community Development Director Mark Hoffman and Public Works Director Nova Heaton) and recommended presenting to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board; Councilmember Muhlenberg offered to act as liaison. Staff flagged permitting and park zoning constraints (some parks are zoned passive recreation) and encouraged the applicant to coordinate site selection and the Parks Board review.
Next steps: Staff will connect Robertson with Parks staff and the Parks Board; the applicant may return with a permitting plan and cost/spec updates once volunteers and site selection are finalized.
