gbpartnerships foundation and gbpartnerships develop, are delighted to announce their support for Kidderminster based cycling charity, Open Trail. The £5,000 of funding for Open Trail’s community cycling facility is part of gbpartnerships’ commitment to provide support for local communities in areas in which it works. Open Trail are working hard to create a safe space for local people to enjoy off-road cycling activity and feel part of a connected community through cycling.
The charity was nominated for funding by gbpartnerships’ Senior Development manager, Nick Smith. Being a local mountain biker, Nick plans to use the new bike park on a regular basis and is well aware of the benefit the woodland brings to so many local young people. Nick is also leading on gbpartnerships’ development of a new Medical Centre in Stourport, which is close by to the planned bike park.
Hannah Escott and Nick Smith
Open Trail are aiming to raise £40,000 to secure the future of Burlish Woodland in Stourport-on-Severn. The woodland has been enjoyed by local young cyclists for over 30 years but it is at risk of being bulldozed unless Open Trail can transform it into a professionally built and managed bike park, so that it can continue to be used as a cycling facility for the local community.
The charity uses cycling and forest school to provide personal development opportunities for local disadvantaged children and young people- enabling them to achieve new things and find out what they are really capable of.
The funding will help Open Trail turn their vision into a reality, transforming the 16-acre woodland into a cycling facility encompassing:
beginner, intermediate and expert jump lines
mountain bike skills area
fun zone for under 6s to learn to ride and develop a love for cycling
a flow trail for disability adapted bikes.
a club house/snack bar with toilets
an inclusive off-road cycling club
a volunteer program for all; both cyclists and non-cyclists
a supply of suitable bikes and safety equipment
specialist coaching for disabled groups/educational needs and disaffected youth.
Nick Smith, gbpartnerships’ Senior Development manager commented:
“I am delighted that gbpartnerships develop have teamed up with the gbpartnerships foundation to support this extremely worthwhile cause. As a keen cyclist, I know that this will be a fantastic resource for the local community and also to support wellbeing activities for the local GP practice that will be based out of Stourport Medical Centre.”
Hannah Escott from Open Trail commented:
“I am overwhelmed by the support and generosity from gbpartnerships and people from all corners of the community who are helping me develop this dream facility. This bike park will be a massive asset to the local area, especially for the local young people who often miss out. The gbpartnerships foundation, are part of a fantastic network of supporters for Burlish Bike Park and it is absolutely wonderful to have them onboard right from day one!”