SHANE Rattenbury has launched a new bike track to help students at North Ainslie Primary develop their bike riding skills and encourage more children to engage in physical activity.

“The Adventure Trail is an exciting new feature at North Ainslie Primary, made possible by North Ainslie’s Parents and Citizens Association fundraising efforts and the school community’s creativity and dedication,” Shane said.

“It’s really important that we take every opportunity to encourage children to stay active and bike riding is an easy and fun way for kids to get a bit of regular exercise.

“This new track is a great addition to the school and I’m sure the students are really going to put it through its paces.

“I expect it will also be popular with families on the weekend and after hours when it will be open to the whole community.

“This launch signals the completion of stage one, with two more stages to be completed. The final stage will see the track circumnavigate the whole school oval.

“The Adventure Trail was designed by Anthony Burton and Associates and Makin Trax and incorporates existing trees, with purpose designed mounds, logs, rock features, and mulched gardens that feature drought and high traffic tolerant native species.

“I would like to thank the school community for their commitment to active living. I believe this track will become a real focal point for the local community.

Anthony Burton, who is also a school parent, said he was really excited to be involved in the project, which was four years in the making.

“This concept was one that the school community and, in particular, the school children came up with. We worked with their ideas to create something that the students are excited about, but that is practical, safe and deliverable,” Anthony said.

“What started as a blank, open space has been transformed into a space that allows the kids to engage in imaginative play.

“It’s particularly exciting to see that the number of students riding to school has increased dramatically since the project began.”