Relief that toilets finally built

 

Will Johnston

Relief is now available for participants and spectators enjoying the sports facilities in Bell Block. This is because the New Plymouth District Council has built a toilet block opposite Hickford Park.

 The lack of toilets has been a discussion point for quite some time among users of the Taranaki Cycle Park and BMX track while waiting for the council to act.  

 Previously, members of the public would walk, or even run, to use the toilets next to the playground two rugby fields away on Smeaton Road.  

 The installation was met with joy by the park’s users, including New Plymouth Mayor Neil Holdom, a keen biker himself.

 “Bell Block has benefited from the efforts of the amazing people behind both the cycle park and the BMX track, which are first-class facilities available for all ages to enjoy,” he said on Facebook.  

 He said it was a long wait to have the toilets built.

 “For years the people who raised the funds and made these projects happen, simply asked if Council could put in a toilet next to these facilities.”

 Taranaki Cycle Park president Mike Tapp said it’s taken eight years for the toilets to be built.

They were a handy facility near the entrance to the park and coastal walkway for up to 5000 people who use the facility every month, he said.

 “Up to now, it’s been a long way to the Hickford Park toilets for anyone caught short.”

 A cycle repair station will be installed next to the block.

 New Plymouth BMX president Ruka Te Moana said the block was a welcome addition to the area.

 “It means that both the public and our members, who are riding at our track, no longer need to run/ride all the way over to the toilets at Hickford Park. This is especially important for our younger members,” he said.

 Taranaki Cycle Park

 The popular Cycle Park is free to use although a donation for repairs and maintenance is always appreciated. It’s open every day and includes a mini road circuit with traffic lights, signs and roundabouts, a learner’s pad, for soft landings and an obstacle course and pump track. There is also a 1.75 km closed road circuit with two separate 1km loops and a 333-metre velodrome. People can safely train and bike around vehicle free and it is an ideal facility for track and road racing. News, notices, events and hire options are listed on www.taranakicyclepark.co.nz and the Park’s Facebook page.