New wheeled sports facilities are opening at Strathclyde Country Park with the public invited to a ‘Bellshill Bike’ day on Sunday 23 October.
The facilities include a pump track and trials bike area as well as mountain bike skills loops and trails linked to learn to ride areas by an upgraded active travel route.
We have created the cycle park as part of a new gateway feature for Bellshill and local communities to the north of the park.
From 11.30am to 4.00pm on 23 October, local people can take part in free ‘have a go’ sessions run by community cycling groups who have been involved in developing the new facilities. Bikes will be available to use or visitors can bring their own. And Recyke-a-bike will be there between 1.00pm and 4.00pm for drop-in bike maintenance.
Visitors can also explore new natural play area features at the gateway and follow a nature trail along the South Calder River using an activity leaflet. The council’s Countryside Rangers will be running seed bombing and scattering activities between 1.00pm and 3.00pm.
“Our new gateway is part of the council’s masterplan for Strathclyde Country Park and our Country Parks for the Future vision for the whole area,” said Councillor Helen Loughran, Convener of the Environment and Place Committee.
“We’ve worked with local cycling groups to develop the fantastic new wheeled sport facilities, and they will continue to offer sessions for people to come along, have a go and learn a new sport or hobby.
“With the nature trail and natural play features nearby, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
There is no need to book the sessions. Visitors to the open day are encouraged to cycle or walk to the park, but parking is available at the Foreshore car park then use the Greenlink to reach the Bellshill Gateway. Anyone with mobility restrictions should park at the car park on Nethan Street and use the Greenlink. New signage and maps are in place to guide visitors.
In 2023 the gateway will be further developed with bespoke sculpture, a new car park and an active travel information point.
Funding for the project has been provided by Sportscotland, Scotland Loves Local, Smarter Choices Smarter Places, the Place Based Investment Program and the council’s Country Parks for the Future budget.