Residents living around Norbury Park are invited to a council-run community day on Saturday 20 Feb where they can share ideas about new facilities that could be provided.
The session is particularly focused on the current planning application for a new permanent BMX track in the park. The proposed track would be situated alongside the existing pavilion and would be built by British Cycling-approved contractors and funded from developer contributions to local projects.
The drop-in day runs from 11am – 3pm and is a chance to meet with neighbours and discuss plans and proposals with council officers. Michael Pusey is also expected to be amongst the guests, the day after he receives his MBE for building a BMX track in Peckham which helped give local kids something to do. The track is now home to two Olympians, two of the world’s best female riders and national and international champions.
“The facility we are proposing will be a great place for local young people to get together and take part in a fun and healthy sport and I’d love to see some of the international success stories repeated here that have been seen at similar tracks elsewhere in London.”
Councillor Timothy Godfrey, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport
Norbury’s track would be the new base for Croydon BMX, a new volunteer-led community BMX club for people of all ages and abilities, including toddlers and the disabled.
Schools and community groups would be able to use the facility in daylight hours during the week, with club sessions at weekends.
On Saturday there will be plenty to do, as a temporary BMX track, bikes and protective equipment are being supplied by the charity Access Sport, and Croydon Amateur Boxing Club are bringing a portable boxing ring. The council’s sport and physical activity team are supplying table tennis tables and there will be hot refreshments to keep the cold at bay.
Local residents will also be discussing the idea of creating a new friends’ group for the park.
The Metropolitan Police are providing a bike marking and registering service for anyone who wants to protect their bicycle from loss or theft.
Anyone who can’t attend the meeting can leave their comments on the BMX track planning application on the council’s website.
