The Cranbrook Bike Skills Park Society Oct. 24 received the go-ahead from the City of Cranbrook to build a bike skills track in Balment Park.

Council was unanimous in its support for the proposed bike skills park plans, developed by the society, with help from the city’s Leisure Services staff, following an August 15 presentation to council when the idea was first floated.

The society conducted an advertised public consultation meeting Sept. 15 at Mount Baker Secondary School and only four people attended, all in favour of the idea.

“Staff discussed bike parks with recreation staff from Kimberley, Fernie, Creston and Sparwood to obtain feedback about their facilities,” Leisure Services noted in a report to council. “The facilities are built by local groups then handed over to the town. However, the groups retain responsibility for some or all maintenance.”

Feedback from the towns contacted is the same, Leisure Services reported. “These parks have been very successful, and do a particularly good job of providing an activity for young teens, a demographic difficult to program for.”

The bike park society intends to apply for grants and undertake fundraising activities to build the park and is only asking for $2,500 from the city to help pay for the estimated $76,000 park. The society will also maintain the park moving forward, working with the newly formed Wildhorse Cycling Club.

The proposed park will have one impact on the Balment Park location (behind the Cranbrook Rec-Plex and beside the skateboard park) – as an old, run down baseball diamond will be removed, Leisure Services pointed out. The diamond is used by Mount Baker Secondary School (MBSS) Grade 10 and 11 physical education classes in the spring. However, after some discussion, an alternative diamond was located for the classes.

“We anticipate that the bike park will be utilized by various generations of the community. Youth, in particular, will use the bike park’s varying levels of jumps instead of building jumps in the surrounding forest. This will eliminate the potential environment damage and lack of access to assistance if injured. Other user groups such as local cyclists, the Ladies’ Night Riders and some of the MBSS physical education groups will focus more on utilizing the pump track,” reads the information sheet produced by the Cranbrook Bike Skills Park Society.

The biggest cost to the park will be the 324 loads of dirt, valued at about $40,000, which will be needed in order to build the jumps. However, that cost could drop if some “free” dirt is located, the society reported.

Council enthusiastically supported the creation of the park, especially considering the lack of opposition from the community.

“I’m really pleased there is no opposition to this from the neighbours,” said Coun. Denise Pallesen. “I’m quite looking forward to seeing this when it is finished.”

Coun. Diana J. Scott agreed that she likes the fact there is no opposition and also appreciates the enhanced safety value of the bike park for local kids and riders.

“It’s a great place to have it – safety wise,” she said. “I think it’s going to be a great amenity to the area.”

Coun. Bob Whetham credited society members for their work in letting the public know about their plans.

“There is a high degree of acceptance from the public,” he said, while also agreeing that the location is desirable.

“It’s very complementary to the other uses on site,” he said.

And Coun. Jim Wavrecan chimed in by noting that Premier Christy Clark stated during the recent Union of B.C. Municipalities conference that teens (14 to 19) need more places to recreate and there could be provincial funds coming available down the road.

“This fits like a glove,” Wavrecan said.

The bike park will be free to the public.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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