The Karitāne School Pump Track grantee video captures how one small coastal school developed a bike track and a wonderful place for the local children to develop their motor skills, improve bike handling capabilities and build fitness.

Otago Community Trust was pleased to have approved a $40k grant to the Karitāne School Pump Track project in October 2021. Karitāne School was established in 1876 and has long since been an integral part of the local community.

Nicola Philip, Karitāne School Principal explains that a few years ago the Board of Trustees began developing plans to create a bike track in the school's field. 

"We had a large area that could be better utilised and the school community felt that learning to ride a bike is a pivotal part of childhood and not one to be taken for granted. Developing a bike track seemed like a great option for our school and community."

Some of our tamariki did not have the privilege of having access to a bike or a safe space to learn. Working with Bike School NZ the school has successfully facilitated the installation of a sealed pump track with a larger meandering bike track around the perimeter of the paddock. 

"The track has become the heart of fitness, training, competitions, teamwork and personal achievement for all students." 

The concept was always to create an inviting space for students during school hours and make it available for local community use out of school hours, we feel we have achieved this and are thrilled with the result.