CANFIELD — The city’s Fair Park could see a new “pump track” in 2023, depending on city council and about $60,000 in funding.

Almost half that amount already has been approved in a grant.

A pump track is a track that has a series of humps or rollers, and banked turns that allow a rider to get good exercise. It is designed to generate momentum for riders by up and down body movements (pumping), instead of pedaling or pushing.

The idea for such a track came during a city parks board meeting nearly a year ago. It was presented to the board from member Lex Calder, who said he wanted to bring more options for families and kids in the community — which is one reason he wanted to get on the park board.

“I am heavily invested in the community and committed to increasing the value of our parks to the people of Canfield and surrounding areas,” he said. “I don’t want to be mayor. I don’t want to be city manager. I just want to use my time and enthusiasm in a positive way to make a positive impact for this city.”

The location for the proposed track at Fair Park would be to the west of the present playground, using a large bowl-type area that originally was laid in for an ice skating rink, but the area wasn’t holding water properly.

The idea for the pump track ties in with another city goal of having a bike loop around the city.

The first leg of that loop could be a connector that Calder said would come off the Mill Creek MetroParks’ bike trail and run along an Ohio Edison right-of-way into Fair Park. Calder said it would allow cyclists to travel down the bike trail and into the city park to enjoy the pump track.

At the Dec. 7 city council meeting, police Chief Chuck Colucci said the city was approved for a NatureWorks grant through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $29,867 specifically for a pump track. He said that is close to half of the $60,000 needed to put up a pump track at a bare minimum.

“City council will have to decide by February for the 2023 budget,” Colucci said. “The park board is recommending it, but council will have to decide on funding it.”

He did say if the time runs out on the NatureWorks grant, it can be sought again in 2023 and the city would be viewed “favorably.”

If the pump track is approved by council, work could begin in the spring and Calder said it would take only three months to complete.

He said such a track also would bring added use to Fair Park with another option for families to enjoy the outdoors.