Okeeheelee Park's $400,000 pump track for cyclists, skateboarders and scooters now open

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Palm Beach County's first bicycle pump track is open for business.
The pump track, a circuit of rollers and banked turns designed for bicycles, foot scooters and skateboards, is already seeing heavy use. Users generate momentum by 'pumping' or by up-and-down body movements. There is no need to pedal.
The track opened on May 31 at Okeeheelee Park, on Forest Hill Boulevard near Greenacres, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and exhibition rides from both professional and amateur riders.
The 10,000-square-foot facility offers a continuous-loop riding experience for people of all ages and skill levels. It can accommodate wheelchairs. Motorized vehicles are not permitted.
The two-year-in-the-making track was made possible by a $400,000 donation from Margaret Blume and Palm Beach Pump Track, the nonprofit that oversaw its construction. The county Parks Department now operates it.
Velosolutions, the Swiss-based company that built the track, defines a pump track as a 'High Performance Playground for Everything with Wheels.' The asphalt-surface pump track, open from sunrise to sunset, lies behind the dog park at Okeeheelee Park.
Four things to know for those who plan to visit:
Helmets are required, and safety equipment is highly recommended.
The track is not wide enough for more than one participant at a time.
Pets and personal belongings are prohibited on the track surface.
Users should ride within their own ability.
The track is unsupervised. Signage warns riders to ride at their own risk.
The county expects the facility to be a major draw as the closest pump track is in Haulover Beach in Miami-Dade County.
'We are thrilled with the amount of usage thus far,' said Jennifer Kraatz, president of Palm Beach Pump Track. 'The word has gotten out.'
More: Okeeheelee Park may be getting another amenity: a playground for everything with wheels
Kraatz said the pump track has been designed to host qualifying tournament events that could be held in conjunction with the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. That is not expected to occur until next year, but Kraatz said that she expects communitywide tournaments to be held before then.
Her nonprofit already operates the BMX track at Okeeheelee Park. Unlike the pump track, that course features a track that requires pedaling and has separated start-and-finish lines. Bicyclists mostly use it.
Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government and transportation. You can reach him at [e-mail]. Help support local journalism. Subscribe today
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Okeeheelee Park pump track opens near West Palm Beach, Florida