Left: BMX champions Ziggy and Josh Callan look over plans with Maria Romanin and Graham Chester.By Kath Gannaway
CHAMPION BMX riders Ziggy and Josh Callan have given the thumbs up to a draft design for redevelopment of the BMX track in Healesville.
Community 3777’s Youth portfolio group is working with the Rotary Club of Healesville to get the project off the ground.
Ziggy, 19, and brother Josh, 17, of Badger Creek met with Graham Chester of Rotary and Maria Romanin of 3777 recently to look over plans and get input into the design before putting it out for public comment.
Josh currently rated fifth in the world in the World Championships junior professional class while Ziggy, returning from a broken ankle with just three weeks training, made it to the quarter-finals in the elite class.
Both have full scholarships to the Victorian Institute of Sport and are aiming for the 2012 Olympics.
Their experience, and their age, made them the obvious choice for input into the project.
“This is a fun sport and if you have a good track it obviously encourages kids not to just sit at home but to get involved,” Josh said.
“It’s not just aimed at kids. When you get kids here you will see dads and mums as well. It’s something the whole family can get involved in.”
Ziggy said the mix of jumps, which includes a range of grades and challenges, would encourage people of different ages and abilities to use the track.
Mr Chester said the idea for redeveloping the track came from a Rotary Club survey asking what young people want in the town.
“We got 67 responses and the majority of younger boys wanted this track upgraded,” he said.
A public meeting will be held at Swinburne Tafe in Healesville on Monday 21 July at 7pm for the public to view the draft plans and make comment.
People of all ages are encouraged to attend.
For further information phone Graham Chester on 5962 5839 or Maria Romanin on 5957 1800.
