CHARLEMONT — The future of a proposed pump track, a purpose-built track for cycling, at the Charlemont Fairgrounds is in question after Selectboard members expressed concern with the recommended location.

Selectboard members said on Monday that they would consider the proposal, but some members worry a pump track would not fit the vision for the fairgrounds. If the board does not make a decision soon, Jon Schaefer, whose family owns Berkshire East Mountain Resort, said the $40,000 donation he has arranged for the town to receive from an anonymous donor may be withdrawn.

“I don’t think it’s fair to the donor to let it twist in the breeze,” Schaefer said. “The donor has better things to do with his money.”

Earlier this year, Schaefer, accompanied by Gabe Porter-Henry and Luke Toritto, owner of Berkshire Bike Tours, presented the plan to construct a 120-by-80-foot dirt pump track at the fairgrounds, in an area covered by trees near where The Conway School is proposing a nature-based playground.

A pump track is a looped track with rollers and berms that is designed for skateboarding, cycling and scootering. Riders gain momentum and navigate the track by pumping their body rather than pedaling or pushing. The track can be made out of dirt or asphalt.

During a meeting on Monday, Selectboard members, Schaefer and Porter-Henry spoke about the aesthetics of the track, the pros and cons of the fairgrounds location, and whether the park would be intended for just children or children and adults.

Selectboard member Kim Blakeslee said the town recently updated its Open Space and Recreation Plan, which included asking residents what they wanted to see at the Charlemont Fairgrounds.

“I’m not against what you’re trying to do but I don’t think that’s the location for it,” Blakeslee said. “No one said they wanted this.”

Schaefer said if people knew what a pump track was and that there was money available to build one, he believes they would likely be in favor of it. The idea of hosting a public meeting to garner community input on the proposal was floated, but dismissed. Members of the Selectboard said residents had the opportunity to give their ideas and feedback on the fairgrounds when the Open Space and Recreation Plan was being developed.

“It’s not about the money. It’s about the spirit of what the town wants,” Blakeslee said. “People have values and tradition and it’s not always about the money.”

Selectboard Chair Valentine Reid suggested building the track elsewhere in town, such as near the tennis courts or behind the Hawlemont Regional School playground. He said having the track closer to the center of town would make it safer and easier for children to access, and make it easier for police to monitor to ensure adults and teenagers do not drink or smoke at the site, which is another concern for the Selectboard.

Porter-Henry said they could install signs stating alcohol is not permitted, but noted the pump track would not be different from any other event at the fairgrounds where people come, enjoy the activity and leave, with the town’s open container laws still being in effect. A pump track is not a facility where people are encouraged to drink.

He added the other sites proposed would not be suitable as they consist of open land without any shade. The sun would dry out the dirt and turn it to dust, and eventually the track would deteriorate due to the impact of wind.

“The shade’s crucial. If you put in a dirt pump track, you need to have it watered and it needs to be shaded,” Porter-Henry said. “If it’s out in the sun, it’s just gonna fall apart.”

Porter-Henry said there are also parking concerns at the school, and he questioned whether it would be accessible during school hours. Selectboard members questioned why a pump track would need to be accessible during school hours if the track is intended for children, who would be in class during that time. Porter-Henry said that while it is primarily a family activity for children and parents, there are adults who enjoy using pump tracks on their own when children aren’t around to practice and develop their cycling skills.

Board members were split on the idea during an informal vote, with two against having a pump track at the fairgrounds and one member in favor.

“I would be for having it up there,” said Selectboard member Jared Bellows, the sole member in favor. “I think it’s a great idea.”

Representatives with the Friends of the Charlemont Fairgrounds who were present said they, too, were in favor of anything that would bring children to fairgrounds. They just wanted to ensure the fairgrounds committee was involved in the decision.

“That’s what it’s all about, helping the kids. We wanna get the kids up there, we wanna get the people up there,” member Bill Harker said. “We’re in favor of making the fairgrounds a public place for people to come to Charlemont and bring people from all over the place up there.”

Tensions waned slightly after Schaefer showed the Selectboard photos and videos of himself at a pump track with his daughters in Vermont. Board members said they did not realize how small a pump track would be and what it would look like.

The board is expected to consider the proposal further at a future meeting.

Reach Madison Schofield at 413-930-4579 or mschofield@recorder.com.