SEE US IN THE NEWS!!!!

The Local New: New pump track livens Bare Hill Park

OUR STORY:

Since 2008, Topsfield Playground Committee (TPC) volunteers have raised over $350,000 with a mission to provide fun, safe, accessible, and physically challenging play areas for the community of Topsfield. To date, we have successfully completed the Proctor Playground, Grove St. Playground, Steward Playground, Steward Pre-K Playground, Steward Buddy Bench, Mega Chess, Mega Checkers, Gaga Ball Pits, Snowshoes and more for the community and are excited for our newest project…the Bare Hill Pump Track!

A pump track is a simple and fun continuous dirt circuit track made of a series of ‘rollers’ (2’-3’ high rolling jumps and dips), ‘berms’ (high banked dirt corners) and launch ramps or elevated areas to ‘roll in’ (start) from. The design is geared toward all ages and abilities and provides a new and exciting outdoor recreational activity to local families who love to ride their bikes and be active. It’s a fantastic way to build core strength, improve bike skills and have fun!

When we first approached the town with this idea in the spring of 2020, our initial task was to find an appropriate location to build the pump track. After conducting many site evaluations, it was determined that Bare Hill Park (near Pine Grove Cemetery) would be a great location for the pump track. The park already exists, is on town land, provides good accessibility from downtown, visibility, parking, an existing walking path, neighbor support, and room for future expansion. In addition to the pump track, we are also excited about revitalizing Bare Hill Park as a place for community members of all ages to enjoy time outdoors!

After 3 years of collaborating with local volunteer bike enthusiasts and the town, we identified our location, sustainable design, budget and all the necessary town approvals. After a successful fundraising campaign, the May 6, 2023 "Bikes & Bites" Fundraising event, and through the generous donations and sponsorships of local families and businesses, we raised $50,000 !!! This budget covers the cost of the design and build fee, tree work, dirt & landscaping, fencing, parking lot grading etc, signage, miscellaneous materials, and the initial maintenance. We worked with local businesses who generously provided quotes for most of the above items at cost or a discounted rate.

Winter/Spring 2024 Updates:

Marshall Dackert Photography

Phase 1 of pumptrack build was completed in early Nov 2023! The build went faster than anticipated and the track was open for riders into December, until winter weather required tarping/winterizing to prevent erosion and damage from freeze/thaw cycles. The Fence was installed by Reliable Fence Co and looks great! Due to prevailing wage rate laws, and additional challenges with invasive weed re-growth over last summer, the total cost for the build was higher than anticipated so we used some of our future maintenance funds to cover a portion of these costs.

Plase 2 March/April 2024

We removed tarps and our builder used a plate compactor and some stone dust top layer to prep the track for use. TPC volunteers have been working hard on some erosion control measures, moving material and improving the beginner /practice track experience, and installing the bike repair kiosk (sponsored by NEMBA) and supported by Munroe Vello Bike Shop. Our park sign has been installed. A more permanent park signage kiosk & donor recognition signs, and a bench will be built and installed later this spring through an Eagle Scout Project. We may add additional top material to improve erosion control and durability to the track if deemed necessary.

Community Work Day: Saturday, May 11th, 9-12(ish). Volunteers needed!!

We'll host a park clean up day to get ready for the big event: We need to spread pack material to extend picnic area to make room for a new bike rack (donated by Munroe Vello Bike Shop), spread wood chips around perimeter areas, and prune/trim back weeds near the track. Please email topsfieldplayground@gmail.com if you plan to come help, even for an hour or if available in the afternoon only. If you have, please bring: work gloves, pruners, a shovel or rake, and a wheelbarrow.

Pump Track Grand Opening: Saturday May 18th 4-8PM!! (See Event posted)

If you would like to support future park upgrades/improvements and maintenance, you may DONATE to this campaign, or at our grand opening event, or buy RAFFLE TICKETS.

More importantly, we are looking for VOLUNTEERS to join TPC- on the Pump Track maintenance team or on the playground side of things, or to help with the event. We are seeking new board members now- see updates section for details. Please email topsfieldplayground@gmail if you'd like to learn more or get involved.

Thanks!

-Jen LeRoyer, TPC President

photos by Marshall Dackert Photography

Bare Hill Pump Track

Thanks to our generous community, the park is open! Donations will support Bare Hill Park improvements & TPC recreation initiatives.

Team Members