A Velodrome in Hillsborough
Ball fields is what comes to mind for many people when they are asked to think of a use for a park. More boring, under-used ball fields. The same mindless kind found on every school grounds and in every park. Empty almost every time you pass by any time of the year.
Let's think Velodrome instead! What is a velodrome? While the term may seem like a strange word to many people, it is a popular and exciting arena for tracking cycling, featuring a banked oval track. The former GSA Depot, a 370 acre tract of land in Hillsborough, Somerset County, New Jersey is destined to become a municipal and county park. Why not tie it in to the nearby popular Tour of Somerville bicycle races which are held every Memorial Day weekend. Make Somerset County the Bicycling Capitol of the US! Let's enhance our local economy while providing a different sport in which people can participate as riders and spectators.
Placing a velodrome at this location would enhance the status of the county, the township, and the residents by providing a place where many sports can be showcased besides bicycling. Hundreds of local people of all ages are members of local cycling clubs but have little opportunity to use this skill in any local park. Both Rutgers and Princeton Universities have active cycling clubs.
Why should we have a Cycling Park in Hillsborough?
1. The site is at the base of the 580 foot Sourland Mountains.
2. The site will be a good place to start and end Cyclocross events.
3. The western portion of Hillsborough is known for many good cycling routes.
4. The site is adjacent to the Hillsborough High School Athletic Field.
5. This would be the only cycling center in New Jersey and nearest to the Philadelphia Metropolitan area.
6. Other sports can utilize the same design, such as BMX bike events, speed skating, roller derby, roller blading, skate boarding, box car derby.
7. Having a velodrome does not prevent the use of the park for ball sports.
Join the campaign. Contact us so that we can make the cycling voice of the County bring this dream to reality!
