The bike track, which is specifically designed for children with a focus on play but also designed and purpose- built with the intention of promoting skill development and bike riding, will cost an estimated $140,000.

Bathurst mayor Gary Rush said the expansion of the playground was part of a larger contingency plan, and believes the bike park will be a nice addition to the area.

“Years ago when my children were young I remember going to a similar thing at Rockdale and the kids absolutely loved it,” he said.

“I just think it will be a nice addition to what is already a popular park.”

Cr Rush said the bike education track will be located above the Flying Fox, in the corner of Hope and Howick streets.

It has been designed by Rick McConaghy, who also designed the Adventure Playground.

“The track is specifically for children with a focus on play, but also designed and purpose built with the intention to promote skill development and bike riding,” Cr Rush said.

“The track will feature real life environments for example, roundabouts, traffic lights and signs,

different surfaces – cement, gravel etc – and will also have an amphitheatre with seating for schools or preschools to conduct out outdoor road safety education learning.

“The area will also have landscaping and a few other structures like a cubby house and windmill.”

Cr Rush said tenders for the project close on August 5, with construction to start in September. He expects the bike track to be completed by December, and there will be no closure to the playground while construction occurs.