By James Dunn

NEW AMENITY

Group pedaling new bike skills park for Lacombe

Feb 25, 2020 | 5:00 PM

Lacombe could soon be home to a brand new community bike park.

Monday night, a group behind the idea presented to city council a proposal to build a bike skills park consisting of three trails for all skill levels, along with jumps and ramps.

The proposed location is behind the current Lacombe Chamber of Commerce office (Lower Michener Park).

Group member Don Derowin says the idea came about because customers at his store, Reds Sports, were upset about the condition of Lacombe’s current bike parks.

“A lot of people were coming in and asking us to get involved and sorting it (current bike park) out. After a bunch of people asked us questions, we decided to see what it would take to get it going. I asked Corey (Gish) if she would help me show how to get it done.” He says.

$70,918 RAISED

Central Alberta Foodgrains Growing Project harvests for international hunger

57m ago

19 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Roundabout expected to open next week at 19 Street and 40 Avenue

2h ago

LAST SEEN JUNE 16

MISSING: Lucas Boskers, 26, of Red Deer

7h ago

The presentation to council wasn’t asking for funding from the city, but for approval to move ahead with the project.

“We’re looking at it more as a community-based improvement to the land. It’s not getting used as well as it should.

Derowin likens the bike park idea to an old-fashioned barn raising.

“We can get enough people involved to make it happen without using council’s money to get local businesses to supply the dirt and stuff like that.”

Council was impressed enough that they voted to support in principle the redevelopment of the Lower Michener Park into a bike park, and directed Administration to work with the organizing group to develop the project plan & seek further recommendation(s) from the Lacombe & District Recreation, Parks & Culture Board.

“We also have to determine if there are any drainage issues or flood risks at Lower Michener Park that need mitigation, and consider the operating and capital replacement costs prior to approving the redevelopment,” says Director of Community Services Deborah Juch. “Based on Council’s direction, staff will work with the group and their consultant to develop a full project scope and cost estimates for construction, determine public support, and formulate the group’s potential requests for financial and in-kind contribution from the City.”

The project comes with a preliminary budget of about $422,000.

There’s no confirmed timeline on when construction is expected to get started or be completed.