For Immediate Release
Community Support Sought to Bring New Pump Track to Lions Park
Oliver & District Recreation is inviting businesses, organizations and community members to help bring a new world-class pump track to Lions Park by contributing toward the remaining $55,000 needed to move the project into construction.
The proposed pump track is the result of extensive planning, community engagement and technical evaluation. Identified as a priority through the Park Improvement Plan (2017), the Oliver & District Recreation Plan (2024) and the 2026 Recreation Capital Finance Plan, the project is designed to encourage outdoor physical activity, recreation and community connection.
From January 16, 2026 to February 16, 2026 public input was sought on three potential new amenities for Lions Park: a pump track, a parkour/action park, and a nature-based playground. Community members expressed support for all three concepts; however, the pump track emerged as the clear favourite, receiving the highest level of support and overall preference ranking from survey participants.
A pump track is a looping course featuring rolling hills and banked turns that allows riders to generate speed using an up-and-down pumping motion rather than pedalling. Designed for a variety of skill levels, pump tracks help teach cycling skills in a safe, dedicated environment and are also popular with skateboarders, scooter riders and other wheeled-sport users.
Following community consultation, Oliver & District Recreation advanced the project through evaluation, feasibility and design work. This process included environmental review, site surveying, geotechnical testing and cost analysis. In April, Canadian Ramp Company (CRC) and Velosolutions Canada West Ltd. were retained to develop a preliminary design for the Lions Park site.
The total estimated costs for the pump track project is $255,000, with $200,000 in Community Works grant funding having been provided by RDOS Area “C”. The remainder of the funding is contingent on donations and community fundraising initiatives.
“The commitment of $200,000 in Community Works funding demonstrates our belief that this project will benefit RDOS area "C" residents as well at residents of the Town of Oliver. We have great confidence in the value of this project,” says Director Chahal. “We are now looking to the community to help close the remaining funding gap so construction can begin, and this exciting amenity can become a reality.”
Oliver & District Recreation is now seeking both cash contributions and in-kind donations of materials or services from businesses, community groups and residents. Donations of any amount are welcomed. Tax receipts are available for donations over $50, and a recognition program has been established for donations over $250. Funds raised beyond the construction target will support future improvements within Lions Park. Once funding is secured, the project will move into the tendering phase, with construction expected to take approximately four weeks.
“This is an opportunity for residents, service clubs and local businesses to be part of something lasting,” says Mayor Johansen. “Every contribution, large or small, will help create a recreational asset that will serve our community for many years and enhance Lions Park as a destination for active living.”
Community members can learn more about the project, view the preliminary design and find donation information at:
https://www.oliver.ca/recreation
Inquiries:
Oliver & District Recreation
Carol Sheridan, Director of Recreation
Phone: 250-498-4985
Email: recreation@oliver.ca