3 times great kick on the dirt track

Piled-up hills and 3 jump kickers near Helene-Lange-Straße form a course for fast rides and spectacular jumps with BMX bikes.

30 June 2023
Providing the right kick on the dirt track with the kickers: (from left) Bernd Matuszek, Alexander Hoffmann, Waldemar Korte (both Mense-Korte), Martin Burcheister (Städtische Betriebe Beckum) and Jörn Volkmann (Sparkasse Beckuim-Wadersloh).
Providing the right kick on the dirt track with the kickers: (from left) Bernd Matuszek, Alexander Hoffmann, Waldemar Korte (both Mense-Korte), Martin Burcheister (Städtische Betriebe Beckum) and Jörn Volkmann (Sparkasse Beckuim-Wadersloh).

A group of visibly experienced BMX riders immediately tried out the 3 new kickers. High jumps and even somersaults were performed by those who made this fantastic leisure project possible. Sparkasse Beckum-Wadersloh, Architekturbüro Mense-Korte and the town of Beckum each donated a kicker for around 3,400 euros. The wooden ramps on metal ensure the kick-off is in the right radius. The municipal companies put in 96 hours of labour (machines and personnel) for the earthworks. The costs for this totalled a good 8,000 euros.

"The dirt track is an excellent example of the successful interaction of civic, economic and municipal commitment in favour of young people in our city," said Bernd Matuszek, Head of the Department for Child, Youth and Family Support of the City of Beckum. And he took a look back:

Biker does a somersault on the dirt track

In 2008, young people had already set up a BMX track in the woods of the nearby playground. There had been several accidents on the course with its adventurous and dangerous obstacles. As a result, the municipal companies were commissioned by the city to work with young people to model a BMX track. After some time, this track was hardly used until interest in the track arose again in 2019. In the following years, the Dirtbhan was developed into a circuit with young people and their fathers, a noise report was drawn up and planning permission was obtained. All interested parties were able to contribute their ideas at an expert-led workshop.

Plan of the dirt track from above
Berges, Sandra
This is what the dirt track looks like; plan by Mense-Korte

The result is something to be proud of. In addition to the track for professionals, there are also hills for beginners and the very young. A 3D-printed tool shed (sponsored by Mense+Korte) also adorns the site. If heavy rainfall erodes the hills, the youngsters can lend a hand with a shovel and pickaxe. A well-rounded project, everyone agreed.