Much to the delight of the young bikers who have eagerly watched the construction process, two features of the Chestermere Family Bike Park are now open to the public.
“This park is unlike any other in Western Canada and it was great to see so many of our Youth spearheading this initiative. We couldn’t have done it without the hard work of YELL and all of our fabulous sponsors,” said Mayor Matthews at a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 9.
The pump track and skills loop that are now open are great features for all members of the family to learn skills that will be needed on the more difficult flow trails. The pump track is a series of small hills that riders can complete without pedaling. The skills loop is a less intimidating area for riders to test out a variety of unique features that they may experience on the flow trails.
While the flow trails will not be open until later this summer, riders of all ages are welcome to come to the park between dawn and dusk to use the skills loop and pump track. A community celebration will be held in late summer once the rest of the park opens.
The idea for creating a Bike Park came from the Youth Encouraging Lasting Leadership (YELL) group and has made been possible through donations from various community groups and the dedication of volunteers.
“The community has been very supportive of this project,” says Jennifer Finnigan, Community Recreation Coordinator with the Town. “Youth, in particular, have been instrumental to bringing this park to Chestermere, from the initial idea, through the consultation and planning process, right down to the working bees to help build the park. The youth in Chestermere can be very proud of their accomplishment of bringing a wonderful community amenity for people of all ages to enjoy.”
More information about the bike park is available on the Town of Chestermere website www.chestermere.ca/bikepark.
