Go buy “Welcome to Pump Track Nation” from leelikesbikes.com
It’s got plenty in it to convince people of the pro’s (and some con’s). You might have to anglicise some of the americanisms in it. It also shows there are some standards available for you to work to which can put the uninformed’s minds to rest.
SingletrAction have built 3 now at Stainburn, Thackley/Buck Woods and Dalby. Thackley was far more skills and progression as well as a PT but was built with CTC, Bradford MBC etc.
We’ve just costed re-building Stainburn’s and are waiting for confirmation from a local shop to see if they’ll fund it. Admittedly we (think ;-)) we know what we’re doing and so can save money there but with a combined plant / volunteer workforce approach the price should be several thousand. I see some of the prices people talk about for PT’s and it’s boggling. The combined approached also develops a feeling of “investment” locally, but it means a lot of hardwork organising it.
If you’re prepared to do it yourself or a combined contractor / volunteer approach you can achieve a lot.
IMO, a well built pump track can be cheap (relatively), low inherent risk, accessible to all (kids to OBWSKB), fairly low maintenace and good for skills plus cardio’.
If you want some more info email me but I can’t respond that soon because I’ve got a load of other stuff on (chairman@singletraction.org.uk).
Good luck 😉