Construction has started on a new pump track in Overlee Park after East Renfrewshire Council approved the scheme, delivered in partnership with Netherlee and Stamperland Community Council.

The undulating asphalt circuit, similar to a skate park, is designed for bikes, scooters, wheelchairs and skateboards, offering inclusive outdoor exercise for all ages. The track will be free to access and will feature motion-activated smart lighting to reduce light pollution, with a cut-off timer to limit late-evening use. It will be built between the existing sports pitches, with construction scheduled to finish in the autumn.

More than £360,000 in funding has been secured from sportscotland, the East Renfrewshire Renewable Energy Fund and the Scottish Government Place Based Investment Programme, alongside the Council's capital funding and donations from the local community.

Environment and Housing Convener Councillor Danny Devlin said: "I am delighted that works have started for this fantastic new track in Overlee Park. We're committed to providing our residents with high quality public spaces, and this pump track is yet another valuable addition to the free facilities available across East Renfrewshire. We want our communities to thrive and everyone to live well, and this project is testament to that.

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"I'd like to thank Netherlee and Stamperland Community Council for their determination in getting this project across the line and I look forward to us continuing to work in partnership."

Siobhan McGuinness, the Chair of Netherlee and Stamperland Council, said: "Beginning construction on the pump track is a landmark moment for our community. After two and a half years of sustained effort, fundraising, and collaboration, we are proud to see this project move from planning into delivery.

This marks the start of a facility that will support active play, outdoor recreation, and healthier lifestyles for residents of all ages across the area. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to getting us to this stage and look forward to watching the track take shape in the months ahead."

Chief Executive of sportscotland Forbes Dunlop said: "The Cycling Facilities Fund has had a transformational impact of Scotland's cycling infrastructure with 33 completed projects and over 50 expected by the completion of the fund. It's been very encouraging to see the number of people and clubs already using these facilities, access to the sport has been improved greatly for so many communities.

"This would not have been achieved without investment and lots of hard work from our local partners like East Renfrewshire Council. A new free to use pump track at Overlee Park will be hugely beneficial for the people of East Renfrewshire."

The project has received £100,000 from the Cycling Facilities Fund. The £8m fund is jointly administered by sportscotland and Scottish Cycling, and was made possible through a £4m commitment from the Scottish Government and £4m from sportscotland via National Lottery funds.