A new community cycling facility is coming to Delamere Park, Openshaw thanks to the vision and campaign of a local family and council investment in the park infrastructure.
An official spade in the ground moment to mark the beginning of work is a key milestone in a campaign to build a community-led all wheel cycle track called Max Trax in Delamere Park.
Born from love, resilience, and a dream to create a safe and joyful space for children and families, the track is being built in memory of Max Rimmer-Chambers, a vibrant and adventurous little boy who tragically passed away at the age of four. Max adored riding bikes, scooters, and anything with wheels around Delamere Park, and his legacy now inspires a project that will bring joy to generations.
The MaxTrax track has been designed with input from local families, schools, and residents, and will feature:
A purpose-built pump track for all ages and abilities
Expert coaching sessions and cycling education
A repair workshop and maintenance cabins
Inclusive design for wheelchairs, pushchairs, and scooters
Kerrie Rimmer, mum of Max said:
“Knowing Max’s love for adventure and wheels, we wanted to create a space that reflects his spirit – a place where children can be free, active, and safe. MaxTrax is our gift to the community, built with love and hope.”
The event, which took place on Monday 15 September, marked the beginning of construction of MaxTrax in Delamere Park.
This project has been made possible through the dedication of Max’s family – led by his mother Kerrie Rimmer and father Colin Chambers.
They have raised an incredible amount of money through various fundraising events, a Crowdfunding campaign and external grants along with a successful application to British Cycling’s Places to Ride Fund, an event legacy programme set out to address inequalities in participation and create new opportunities for under-represented groups in cycling.
Manchester City Council has invested £166k of capital funding to match the amount raised by the campaign and along with the support of partners, Manchester Active, Step Up MCR, Access Sport, Landscape Architect Elsie Josland, and specialist track builders VeloSolutions the MaxTrax dream has been made possible.
Cllr Lee Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods said:
“Delamere Park sits at the heart of the Openshaw community, and the new Max Trax cycle hub will be a wonderful addition to this vibrant neighbourhood.
“This project demonstrates the strength of community spirit and the love shared for Max, whose memory continues to inspire such meaningful change. By creating a safe, inclusive, and inspiring space for cycling and recreation, we are not only honouring Max’s passion for cycling but also providing lasting opportunities for residents to enjoy healthy, active lifestyles. Manchester City Council is proud to support Kerrie, Colin and Max Trax.”
Cllr John Hacking – Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure said:
“Max Trax is a wonderful example of how a community can come together to create something truly meaningful, while honouring the memory of Max and creating a lasting legacy that will bring joy to the local community for generations.
Manchester City Council is delighted to contribute funding that will help bring this vision to life, transforming Delamere Park into a hub for cycling, connection, and opportunity for people of all ages and abilities. We look forward to seeing the hub open and inspiring a love of cycling in Openshaw for years to come.”
Nicole Hope, Director at Step Up MCR said:
“It’s a real ‘pinch-me’ moment seeing five years of hard work pay off for Max’s family and the whole Openshaw community. Step Up MCR has worked with Kerrie since 2019 to catalyse Max Trax from a brilliant idea into a sustainable community organisation. In 2021 we launched the Crowdfunder campaign raising almost £100,000, helping this dream become a reality. At times it felt insurmountable building a movement from the ground up, but this true show of community power proves that anything is possible with strength in numbers- and that’s just what place-based giving and Step Up MCR is all about. Thank you to all the residents, businesses and partners who have been part of this journey. We can’t wait to see you at the track!”
