Bole Hills BMX track is a volunteer-led club which is “continually evolving” through the support and fundraising of the local residents.
The track in Bole Hill park was originally built by the council in 1983 and continues to thrive through community support.
It is currently run by six volunteers who give their time and money to keep it going.
Dave Camus, President of the club, said: “It’s continually evolving.”
“The ethos of the whole place is that everyone gives a little bit and everyone is rewarded for it.”
The track is seen as a safe space for young people to go to.
Many teenagers ride on the track but also take pride in contributing to its development.
One young rider, who has been going there for the past three years, said: “Getting to ride on what you’ve built is quite satisfying, and it brings something to the community.”
The club receives no funding from the council, instead raising money by holding events throughout the year.
Last month, they put on a film festival followed the next day by a D&B rave, where all ticket sales went straight into funding the club.
Ruth Crawford, girlfriend to the Club President, who is heavily involved in supporting the club, said: “The fundraising is really important for the track’s upkeep and equipment.”
It costs around £1,000 per year to maintain but the local community is keen to keep improving it.
Riders can come and use it for free, unlike most other BMX tracks.
Mr Camus said: “It’s not a money-making scheme, it’s a passion project.”
The young people who go there are grateful for its existence and preservation.
One young rider said: “It’s basically my whole life.”
It is not just the community that benefits from the track, people come from all over to use it.
Mr Camus said: “It’s definitely one of the best places to go and ride in the UK.”
