Springfield parks: Pump track, skate park and boxing playground updates finished

Work at Sherman Avenue Park and Davey Moore Park part of $1 million in improvements.
Miles Brehm, 8, tries out the new National Trail Parks and Recreation pump track at Sherman Park Monday, May 13, 2024. The pump track is an asphalt track for cycling. It has a circuit of hills, banked turns and features designed to be ridden completely by riders "pumping" - generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedaling or pushing. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

Miles Brehm, 8, tries out the new National Trail Parks and Recreation pump track at Sherman Park Monday, May 13, 2024. The pump track is an asphalt track for cycling. It has a circuit of hills, banked turns and features designed to be ridden completely by riders "pumping" - generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedaling or pushing. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Three prominent projects at two parks in Springfield are essentially finished, allowing people to take advantage of a new bicycle feature at one site and a boxing-themed playground and a skate park at another.

The Sherman Avenue Park pump track is complete other than some remaining cosmetic work and landscaping, park officials announced in a social media post. A pump track is for cycling, featuring a circuit of rollers, banked turns and features designed to be ridden completely by riders “pumping” — generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedaling or pushing.

Work also is finished on the boxing themed playground at Davey Moore Park, named after the championship fighter from Springfield. Also at Davey Moore, a skate park feature has been installed.

The projects cost about $1 million.

Steve Moore tries out the new National Trail Parks and Recreation skate park in Davey Moore Park Monday, May 13, 2024. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Credit: Bill Lackey

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Credit: Bill Lackey

Officials approved spending $350,000 for the Sherman Avenue project, which quickly gained attention from cyclists when the track was finished. A YouTube video showing the new track had more than 6,000 views in the first 24 hours after being posted.

A park social media post said: “There is still some cosmetic work and landscaping to be done. We will keep you posted on the grand opening festivities to be held soon.”

Pump tracks originally were designed for mountain bike and BMX fans. Now, due to concrete and/or asphalt constructions, pump tracks are also used for skateboarding. Supporters say pump tracks are relatively simple to use and cater to a variety of rider skill levels.

Pump tracks have gained popularity in recent years and cities such as Dayton and Huber Heights have added them to parks there.

At Davey Moore Park, 600 S. Western Ave., officials set aside $300,000 for a concrete skatepark that is already being used.

Last year, City Manager Bryan Heck said the decision to add a skate park rather than a water play feature was because of maintenance issues at other splash pads.

Construction of the Sherman Park Pumptrack is complete and has already had visitors of all ages and skill levels! There is still some cosmetic work and landscaping to be done. We will keep you posted on the grand opening festivities to be held soon. What is a Pumptrack? A pump track is a purpose-built track for cycling. It has a circuit of rollers, banked turns and features designed to be ridden completely by riders "pumping" - generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedaling or pushing. It was originally designed for the mountain bike and BMX scene, and now, due to concrete and/or asphalt constructions, is also used for skateboarding. Pump tracks are relatively simple to use and cater to a wide variety of rider skill levels.

Posted by National Trail Parks and Recreation District on Saturday, May 11, 2024

The new playground at Davey Moore Park has a boxing theme with gloves, a ring, headgear and more. The work was estimated to cost about $450,000.

A grand opening also is being planned.

Moore lived on Springfield’s south side and was the world featherweight champion from 1959 to 1963. He died from injuries he sustained in a championship fight in 1963 with Sugar Ramos at Dodger Stadium.

The playground has a flat surface suitable for children of all abilities.

The boxing themed playground at Davey Moore Park waiting for you to visit! Stayed tuned for information regarding the grand opening. #getoutandplay

Posted by National Trail Parks and Recreation District on Saturday, May 11, 2024