A pump track added to the Stringer's Ridge Park was unveiled to the public on Thursday by the Trust for Public Land.
The pump track, located at the end of Spears Avenue, will allow mountain bikers of all ages and ability levels to have a place to practice. It features smooth, banked turns as well as small hills.
A pump track is described by the Jersey Off Road Bike Association as "a continuous loop of dirt berms and 'rollers' (smooth dirt mounds) that you ride without pedaling.
The name 'pump track' comes from the pumping motion used by the rider’s upper and lower body as they ride around the track. The idea of a pump track is to use this pumping motion to maintain your speed around the track without pedaling. It’s a great work out and lots of fun."
According to the TPL, the park "is the city's first green infrastructure demonstration project: a park that helps manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and recharge the city's water supply."
Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke spoke, saying, "It takes a lot of people making this happen." He thanked not only the TPL and the Lyndhurst Foundation, but also Greg and Carlene Vital, who donated land for the park.
He said, "I think we should take a minute as we sit and marvel at God's creation out here and think about what it means to be part of this community."
He also said, "A big part of our brand as a city is the outdoors...What I see today is TPL taking advantage of what we have here naturally."