The Kentucky Lake Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting Monday at the new H.H. Lovett Park Pump Track. The track was the vision of Marshall County High School Mountain Bike Team member Gunner Boatright. Boatright took his vision to Mayor Rita Dotson and the Benton City Council which approved the construction of the pump track at their February 2018 meeting. Gunner drew up the plan for the pump track and got bids for the dirt work.
The Pump Track is located just off Park Avenue which is towards the back of the park down from the fair grounds and right next to the skate park. According to Wikipedia, “A pump track is a type of off-road terrain for cycle sport consisting of a circuit of banked turns and features designed to be ridden completely by riders “pumping” – creating momentum by up and down body movements.
Initiated by Gunner and with the help of the City of Benton’s Strategic Planning Committee, Jackie Gough, Steve Wilson and Todd Riley, the track is now open for riders. The track is open from dawn until dusk every day and riders must wear a helmet and knee and elbow pads. Children must be supervised at all times. For more information or to report any unsafe conditions of the riding surface contact city hall at 270-527-8677.
