There’s a new biking adventure in Shawano.
A pump track playground has been installed at Kuckuk Park on the southwest side of the city on Oak Park Drive.
Pump tracks are already available in Green Bay, Appleton and Wausau, but this is the first in Shawano County.
“The track is already rideable,” said Brian Grieves, one of the organizers who created the track. “We still need to install signage and a few finishing touches. A grand opening celebration is currently being planned for August. We want to stress the importance of wearing helmets for safety.”
The project was developed by Shawano Adventure Sports, a division of Shawano Pathways. Led by Shawano native and avid mountain biker Garrett Smith, the project grew through the collaboration of SAS members and community supporters.
“The goal was to create a fun, easily accessible place where people of all ages and skill levels can enjoy biking, build confidence and develop their skills,” Grieves said. “The idea was also supported early on by the Shawano Community Health Action Team, which recognized the need for more opportunities for youths to be active, socialize and spend time outdoors away from screens and social media.”
The track features two connected tracks, one beginner and one intermediate, designed to create a continuous loop with the existing pathway. Riders build momentum while navigating small features and jumps.
“It’s best described as a hybrid bike park and pump track,” Grieves said. “Riders use a combination of momentum, body movement and pedaling to move through a series of rollers, berms and turns. The course begins on an elevated starting platform that provides a boost from gravity. Midway through the track, riders connect back to the existing bike trail, which returns them to the starting area for another lap.”
While the track was primarily designed for bicycles, it can also be enjoyed by riders using skateboards and scooters.
Benefits of the pump track include:
• Skill development. Riders can improve their bike handling, balance and control.
• Fun and engagement. Provides a fun, challenging and engaging activity for all ages.
• Safe environment. Offers a safe place to practice biking skills away from traffic and hazards.
• Community space. Serves as a social gathering spot, fostering community interaction and outdoor activity.
The total cost of the project is projected to be just under $70,000.
Shawano Adventure Sports raised the funds through grants and donations from the ThedaCare Foundation, Shawano Community Foundation, Pevonka Trust, Mielke Foundation, Shawano Rotary, Shawano Pathways, Matty’s Fund and several individual donors.
The city of Shawano did not provide funding, but city officials have been very supportive throughout the process, Grieves said.
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Pictured while still under construction, the new pump track at Kuckuk Park is open and ready for use. The track features two connected tracks, one beginner and one intermediate, designed to create a continuous loop with the existing pathway. Riders build momentum while navigating small features and jumps. (Brian Grieves)
Shawano Adventure Sports raised nearly $70,000 for a new bike pump track through grants and donations from the ThedaCare Foundation, Shawano Community Foundation, Pevonka Trust, Mielke Foundation, Shawano Rotary, Shawano Pathways, Matty’s Fund and several individual donors. (Brian Grieves)
Riders are already out and about on the new bike pump track at Kuckuk Park. The project was developed by Shawano Adventure Sports, a division of Shawano Pathways, and was led by Shawano native and avid mountain biker Garrett Smith. (Contributed)
