A new bike park may be on its way to lower Valleycliffe this summer.
Council members gave the project a nod in principle at its committee of the whole meeting on Tuesday afternoon.
Proponent Ron Goldstone, representing the Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association, appeared before the committee to present the idea of a mountain bicycle playground geared to older and more skilled riders than can be accommodated at the existing Brennan Park SORCA bike park. The proposed park would include a pump track with jumps.
“A little bit more geared toward teenagers who are often in that zone – they are too old for children’s playgrounds and too young for things adults use,” Goldstone said.
“We would help the Squamish BMX club, the high school mountain bike academy and [we are] also just trying to get some facilities for those teenagers to get involved in outdoor mountain biking.”
In 2014, the mountain bike association and the district partnered to create the popular Brennan Park bike track. The new proposal is for on District of Squamish-owned land at 37890 Clarke Dr.
Goldstone said the location, though out of the downtown core, is along the Corridor Trail and Valleycliffe dike trail, thus still fairly accessible. The property also has a slope to it, Goldstone added, so won’t require a lot of fill.
Having a park in this area suitable for teens will be safer than what is currently happening, which is youth building their own tracks in the woods. It is also close to neighborhoods, but not close enough to disturb neighbours, Goldstone said.
If all goes according to plan, the park will be open May 24, Goldstone said, adding the volunteer-funded project is estimated to cost $75,000.
“I think this is an absolutely fabulous use of this land,” said Coun. Susan Chapelle, a sentiment other councillors echoed.
“Getting kids outside exercising, not too much wrong with that,” said Coun. Doug Race. Council directed district staff to look into funding for a water connection on the site and to also pursue a licence agreement for the park. The proposal is expected to come back to council in late February.
