'Massive' increase of visitors to Tamworth Mountain Bike Park during lockdown as users enjoy new upgrades

Last week, the popular multi-purpose recreational ground had new signage installed, representing the completion of a two-year development of its new walking and bike trails.

The new signage was the brainchild of Tamworth Mountain Bikers treasurer Jeff Benson, who said the response has been fantastic.

The park is proving to be a popular destination during lockdown, with a "massive increase" in visitors over the past few weeks.

"We have seen a 70 per cent increase - massive, absolutely massive," Mr Benson told the Leader.

"They're walking, early in the morning we are getting a lot of young mums and their children.

"Then after about 10am we're seeing a few riders with kids who have probably done their one or two hours of school work and are ducking out for a ride before it gets too hot."

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Two years ago Tamworth Mountain Bikers came up with a proposal to build a new extension on the trails.

"In negotiation with council we've linked it in with council's cycleway," Mr Benson added.

"We've also included shade sails and fencing around the kids play area, some solar, and we redid the signs because of considerable changes and additions."

The club has an ongoing lease arrangement with Tamworth Regional Council to carry out mountain biking activities and walking culture trails. Volunteers also look after weed management, erosion control and re-vegetation of the park.

Ongoing expenses are around $1000 a year, Mr Benson said.

To help raise funds for maintenance, a new and improved donation box has been installed at the park, which includes a QR code and the ability to make a contribution through PayPal.

Mr Benson said under health orders, use of the park is still permitted for exercise purposes, but visitors are asked to adhere to social distancing and not gather in groups to "ensure the park stays open for everyone to enjoy".

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