Manitoba’s First Pump Track Opens in Sage Creek

Winnipeg, MB – Manitoba’s first high-performance pump track officially opened in Sage Creek, delighting residents of all ages with a new place to hang out and catch some air.

The track’s grand opening, which took place late July, featured skills-development clinics, food trucks, commentary from Virgin Radio’s Ace Burpee, demonstrations by world-class professional bike riders, and throngs of adrenaline-seeking kids with huge smiles on their faces.

Spearheaded by the Sage Creek Residents’ Association, with support from Qualico Communities, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg, the new track is bringing people of all abilities together to spin their wheels and enjoy the summer weather.

“This track is a testament to what can be accomplished when non-profits, the private sector, and the public sector collaborate,” said David Eggerman, Regional Vice-President, Manitoba & Saskatchewan.

A project that was years in the making, the pump track required vision, forward-thinking ideas, financial contributions, and sheer determination from countless people to get to the finish line.

“This innovative space is a reminder of what can happen when we all strive for the betterment of our cities. We look forward to witnessing the joy this project will bring not only to the residents of Sage Creek but to everyone in the province," added David.

Bryan Ward, Vice-President, Qualico Communities Winnipeg, said that supporting the pump track is a way for Qualico to give back to the community, adding a unique feature to one of Winnipeg’s fastest growing neighbourhoods.

“When the Sage Creek Residents’ Association approached us with the idea of building an active space in Warde Park, we offered to help them develop a proposal and present it to the City and Province to bring them on board. We also offered financial support, because building things that bring people together and make our cities better is what we’re all about,” said Bryan.

Designed by Velosolutions together with internationally accomplished professional bike rider Niels Bensink, the pump track is best experienced on bikes, skateboards, and scooters. Riders traverse the track by using a motion known as “pumping,” which involves shifting their body weight up and down to gain momentum without pedaling.

Sage Creek area parents like Blair Wareham are excited to have a unique space like this right in their backyard.

“My sons come here in the evenings, and it's usually packed. On any given evening, there's 20 to 30 kids out here having a blast. They just absolutely love it. It’s a fantastic place for them to just be kids," said Blair.

The grand opening also featured a ribbon cutting ceremony, where the name Capasso Pump Track was revealed, honouring Frank Capasso, the long-tenured Sage Creek Residents’ Association President who, along with its hard-working board of directors and community volunteers, worked tirelessly to turn vision into reality.

Frank says that while he is grateful to have the track named after him, he was reluctant to accept it at first because it took so many people to bring the project to life.

“I’m hounoured and humbled but the fact is, it’s not only me that put in a lot of work. This is the work of many people. A lot of credit goes to the Sage Creek Residents’ Association Board of Directors and Qualico for supporting us. Also, the contributions from the Province of Manitoba, City of Winnipeg and other businesses were all necessary to make this happen,” said Frank.

He added that the track would never have been built if it wasn’t for Qualico’s support.

“Qualico always wants what’s best for the community,” added Frank. “They go above and beyond to ensure our community flourishes.”