Officials break ground on Menifee action park, pump track

By Kelvin Portillo, Correspondent

The groundbreaking ceremony of the Gale Webb Kids-R-#1 Action Sports Park was held Wednesday at the corner of Craig Avenue and Evans Road, celebrating the start of constructing a pump track approved by the City Council a year ago.

The pump track is named after Menifee resident Gale Webb, who is a long-time organizer and supporter of extreme sports for the youth. According to the Menifee website, Webb is often referred to as a “Skateboarding Mom” who has been an advocate of extreme sports for the past four decades. The tagline “Kids-R-#1” was added from the name of her non-profit organization.

A pump track, which is similar to a skate park, refers to a track with various loops and bumps that propels an individual with more momentum off the ground. It is designed for skateboarders, bicyclists, etc. Although the name may suggest it’ll be for kids only, the pump track will be open to all ages.

Unfortunately, Webb could not attend the groundbreaking ceremony due to being “out of town until June because of touring,” said project manager Bryce Howell. In attendance were all of the City Council members, Menifee Park Rangers, Community Services Director Jonathan Nicks, members of city staff, and a few Menifee residents.

Howell gave the first remarks, commenting on the origin of the name, and announced that construction will commence today of the 22,000-square-foot pump track with over 30 different obstacles in different levels.

“We’re knowing this will be completed and ready by the end of summer, early fall. It’s going to move quick. My kids will ride it, adults will ride it, so we’re excited to get this going,” said Howell.

“As we grow as a city, we’re expanding and adding a lot of amenities for our kids and our families. This is just the first of many. I think people may come out of town to see this; it’s going to be that big and exciting,” said Mayor Pro Tem Dean Deines.

“This is all about our young people who live in the city and it’s strategically placed next to a high school, next to a middle school, next to a Boys & Girls Club, and right in our single-family neighborhoods,” said Mayor Bill Zimmerman. “We collect what’s called Development Impact Fees, so money accummulates and the city gets to build with that money parks and trails.”

Council member Lesa Sobek thanked Menifee residents for shopping local because the tax dollars help the city to get amenities to put back into the community.

In order to ensure the safety of everyone once the large pump track is operating, the Menifee Park Rangers will oversee and lead safety units.

“I think this is going to be a positive generator for the city, like there’s going to be a lot of positive activity. We do have kids building tracks and ramps on private property; it’s trespassing and dangerous. So this will be a place where kids can enjoy themselves,” said Park Ranger Brandon Samson.