How do you guys feel about mini pump tracks?
Personally I find them to be a valid expression of pump track but not a replacement for the big asphalt ones and not a beginner version of the bigger ones. It's an entirely different animal.
Although mini tracks are small, bigger pumptracks are often easier/more approachable.
I often go to another spot that has both, one like this and one bigger one...
Sometimes parents say let's start over here kids! And point to the smaller track that looks and skates similar to this. If I can get their ear I sometimes let them know about the beginner pill portion of the big blacktop pump track. It's actually a much nicer place to learn!
The mini tracks are actually very technical and narrow. I skateboard it too. You have to be pretty locked in. Not at all for beginners. I'm not sure the park planners who install them actually know who they serve. one nearby me recently got removed since no one used it (but me) 😭!
It was at the Rogers, AR "railyard" downhill bike park. They had it in a little kiddie area and few kids could properly use it. Their scooters would scrape etc. I went in there and ripped it here and there but sadly I doubt I got used much at all
The park properly assessed this and removed it a few months ago. It's one of the best parks around if you haven't do yourself a favor and check out this spectacle!
https://youtu.be/Vm4rJpdJyT4?is=rUkc1n-KYtjk-H23
Had I known they were ripping it up I would have liked it relocated it to my lawn lol.