A legacy on wheels: Max Trax officially opens in Delamere Park

A brand-new pump track, just a stone’s throw from Tameside, has officially opened its gates, drawing crowds from across Tameside and Manchester despite the pouring rain.

Max Trax, based at Delamere Park in Openshaw, was formally opened on Sunday in an emotional celebration of community spirit, resilience and remembrance.

The cycling project was created by Kerrie and Colin Rimmer-Chambers in memory of their son, Max, who tragically died in May 2017 aged just four-years-old when a fireplace surround fell on him. Hundreds attended his funeral and donations poured in from friends, neighbours and strangers. Determined to give something back, the family turned their heartbreak into a lasting legacy.

To commemorate Max, Kerrie and Colin launched Max Trax – a free activity hub designed to bring the community together through cycling and outdoor activity. The now fully completed track includes a bike track and community hub that is open to all.

Sunday’s opening marked a major milestone, with visitors of all ages taking to the all-wheels pump track, enjoying BMX coaching, a climbing wall, inflatable sports, free bike hire plus food and drink.

The facility, that received funding from a variety of companies, also includes a cycle repair centre, a dedicated toddler bike area and a community space.

Kerrie enlisted the support of the Probation Service’s Community Payback scheme, enabling offenders to carry out unpaid work as part of their sentences. They helped clear pathways, repaint fencing, build flower beds, create a dog-friendly area, assist with bike repairs and set up the kiosk.

Among those in attendance at the launch were leader of Manchester City Council Bev Craig, local councillors including Cllr Tom Robinson and Olympic gold medallist cyclist Ed Clancy.

Addressing the crowd, Cllr Bev Craig praised the project as a shining example of what can be achieved when a community unites behind a powerful idea.

“This is fantastic for two reasons,” she said. “Not just because in the city of Manchester, we’ve got over 150 parks and green spaces that we’re invested in, but because this is a really special idea.

“This shows what happens when somebody in the community has got a great idea and they take their pain, their challenges, and decide to do something good with that. They get a whole community behind them, the council behind them, and create something really special that makes a real difference.

“This, for me, is what Manchester’s all about.”

Cllr Tom Robinson described the project as a source of strength during challenging times.

“In five years, I’ve not seen anyone better than Kerrie and Colin in terms of putting the welfare of others at the forefront of what they want to do.

“Every person that goes on this track, every child that rides here for years to come, will be celebrating Max. You’ve created a living testament to such a wonderful boy.”

Fighting back emotion, Kerrie thanked the hundreds who has supported the journey over the past five years.

“It’s taken us five years of heart, sweat and unwavering mission to stand here today,” she said. “Seeing so many people, especially the children, already enjoying it is absolutely incredible.

“I started with a dream to honour my beautiful little boy Max, and today this dream is a reality in the heart of Openshaw.

“East Manchester often gets forgotten about – but not anymore.”

She paid tribute to volunteers, fundraisers, local councillors Donna, Sean and Tom, Manchester City Council partners, Manchester Active, landscape architects, contractors and businesses as well as the Community Payback team.

“You didn’t just move dirt, you built a world-class facility for this community,” Kerrie said thanking the team.

“Max was the light of our lives. While he isn’t standing here with us today, his spirit is in every single turn of this track and every smile of every child or adult using it. It’s printed in the asphalt.

“It isn’t just a facility – it’s a legacy. A place for joy. A place for the community to come together for years to come.”

(L-R) Cllr Tom Robinson, Colin, Kerrie and Bev Craig Leader of Manchester Council.