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The Sunken Gardens Pump Track opened June 17 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Livermore Area Recreation and Park District) 
Project advocate Mike Ralph led the inaugural ride of the Sunken Gardens Pump Track. (Photo courtesy of Livermore Area Recreation and Park District) 
The Sunken Gardens Pump Track, June 17. (Photo courtesy of Livermore Area Recreation and Park District) 
The Sunken Gardens Pump Track, June 17. (Photo courtesy of Livermore Area Recreation and Park District) 
The Sunken Gardens Pump Track, June 17. (Photo courtesy of Livermore Area Recreation and Park District) 
The Sunken Gardens Pump Track, June 17. (Photo courtesy of Livermore Area Recreation and Park District) 
The Sunken Gardens Pump Track, June 17. (Photo courtesy of Livermore Area Recreation and Park District)
Livermore’s first pump track is now open to the public at Sunken Gardens.
Designed for all-wheel riders, the concrete facility features banked turns, table tops, rollovers and banked extensions. Instead of pedaling, users can ride the track using momentum.
In addition to the new track, the wider Sunken Gardens Pump Track at 3800 Pacific Ave. brought site enhancements such as ADA-accessible pathways, synthetic turf and shaded seating and gathering areas for visitors.
The approximately $1.9 million project joins pre-existing amenities at the Sunken Gardens Skate Park following a years-long delay.
Its grand opening celebration June 17 attracted hundreds of attendees, signaling to LARPD the community’s excitement regarding the long-awaited project and the “growing popularity” of wheeled sports in Livermore, officials said in a statement recognizing the event.
“This project shows what can happen when a community comes together around a shared vision,” LARPD Board Chair Phil Pierpont said in a statement about the pump track’s ceremonial ribbon-cutting. “We’re excited to see it open and enjoyed for years to come.”
The project originated in 2013 when project advocate Mike Ralph presented his idea of developing a permanent pump track at Sunken Gardens to the LARPD Board of Directors.
While walking his dog daily at the park, the Livermore resident said he noticed people building “sketchy” dirt jumps that were eventually torn down.
“I thought this would be a great place to have something a little more permanent,” he said of Sunken Gardens.
During November 2022, the LARPD board approved an agreement to build the pump track and limited site improvements for $839,344.25.
Construction was expected to begin during spring of 2023, LARPD spokesperson David Weisgerber told Livermore Vine last fall.
The project underwent delays and grew in cost as LARPD expanded the scope of the project and faced additional project requirements, select price hikes and fees associated with acquiring the city-owned skate park and parking area.
Construction began on the pump track last October with an expected opening of spring 2026.
On opening day, hundreds gathered at the pump track for the ceremonial ribbon cutting, including local leaders, riders and families.
Among the attendees, Ralph said he was stoked to see the project reach completion.
“Not gonna lie — it was emotional,” Ralph said. “It was kind of a moment.
“Almost like a skate park, it creates an environment that you don’t really get elsewhere,” he added.
Ralph was also one of the lead riders June 17 to take an inaugural lap on the pump track.
“The community really came together and celebrated this big win. So I got eyeballs, and I just wanted to make it through that first lap without wiping out,” he said.
