Shenandoah building track with TOT funds to bring in more tourism and create space for families in the community
By Megan Cullins
SHENANDOAH — The Town of Shenandoah plans to construct a “pump track” at Big Gem Park to create an outdoor space for families to spend time together and add an attraction to bring in new tourists.
Back in April, the Page County Board of Supervisors accepted a recommendation from the Page County Tourism Committee to allocate $66,000 in local lodging tax receipts to cover the cost of the project. Currently, Turner Concrete & Excavating is working with Racey Engineering on the engineering design required to layout and build the track.
“Our goal is to create a fun, safe, and accessible outdoor space where kids, families, and riders of all ages can enjoy biking, skateboarding, and scooters,” wrote Daniel Kiser, who is coordinating the “Friends of the Shenandoah Pump Track” Facebook page. Kiser first introduced the idea for a pump track back in March and put out a survey to test the public’s interest. The next month he secured $66,000 in funding after meeting the director of Page County’s Economic Development and Tourism Office, Nina Fox.
“There’s been several discussions…on uses to make that park more appealing — not just to locals, but to tourists,” said Fox.
A pump track is a paved, looped riding course designed for bikes, scooters, and skateboards, where riders generate momentum by “pumping” through rollers and berms rather than pedaling. These tracks are designed for all ages and skill levels — from young kids to experienced riders, according to a post by Kiser.
The Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), which is paying for the outdoor attraction, is a 10-percent tax on short-term lodging (30 days or less) at a variety of options, from B&Bs and hotels, to cabins and Airbnb spots. TOT funds have continued to grow well into seven figures in Virginia’s “Cabin Capital”, and while a large portion goes into the County’s general fund, a significant portion is distributed by the Tourism Committee. Various groups apply for the funding, and the Tourism Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, who hold final funding approval.
Last year, the Board of Supervisors decided to combine the funds usually allotted annually among the three towns in the county — $25,000 each — to create a $75,000 fund that can be allocated to any project in any town that “fits the county’s vision,” according to Fox. Any upkeep or maintenance costs attached to these projects fall on the individual town. However, the pump track, for example, may apply for more funding in future fiscal years. Shenandoah’s track will be managed by volunteers and Town’s Public Works Department.
This pump track will be a part of the Big Gem Park amenities and free for the public to use. According to a Facebook comment from Shenandoah Town Manager Charles Jenkins on the “Friends of the Shenandoah Pump Track” page, there had been a pump track for about 10 years at the park. That track has grown out, but the structure of it is still there. However, it will be removed to create the new larger track closer to the entrance of the park. The new track will be paved with concrete for more durability so it will last longer.
Jenkins said that easier access to the track will make it more accessible for riders. This track will also meet the layout standard for pump tracks that appeal to riders of different skill levels.
The track is expected to bring in more tourism to Shenandoah. When pitching the track to Board of Supervisors, the presentation stated that the track would attract regional visitors looking for an accessible riding space. It also stated that there would be more people coming for day trips or extended stays — bringing more people to other local businesses like restaurants and shops. Currently visitors stay for an average of 2.5 days, according to Fox, but stays lasting closer to three to five days creates more revenue.
It’s expected for the pump track to hold community events. According to Jenkins, the pump track already has people supporting and following the project, and it’s envisioned that there will be showcases for riders to participate. These events are typically organized by a group of local riders, although the town may help organize these events as well.
Turner Construction Group did some earth moving in the park area this spring, which prompted some discussions about the creation of a dirt track as a Phase I effort in the project. Phase II would be paving the track. However, the allocation of TOT funds in late spring propelled the project toward its end goal.
“We’re encouraging residents, and even people from surrounding areas who would use the track or even spectate to join the group and submit the form to help demonstrate demand,” Kiser posted. “This project has already received a lot of positive feedback, and we’re hopeful it can become something really special for Shenandoah.”
A Facebook group for updates and discussion: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1KRoz4MxUa/
A community interest/support form:
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