Bike Park

 

 

Bike Park is NOW COMPLETE!

 

You may have noticed the beautiful new amenity over in the corner of 30th Ave and 14th Street…it is officially OPEN as of May 2024! The MLCA Sport and Rec Committee will forever be legends as they catapulted this project way back in 2020. It has been a long process of permits, planning, engagement, and redefining the scope, but it is well worth it! On any given warm evening, you can see multiple families enjoying the new Bike Park.

Special Thanks to all our donors, sponsors, and volunteers who made this project possible. A special thank you collage can be seen below!

In 2020 the idea became an initiative and something the MLCA wanted to work towards. During Covid it was quikcly realized their was a need for more outdoor amenities, and something everyone can enjoy.

As you may have followed via this page and Social Media, there were a lot of hurdles to jump. First, we wanted to ensure the proper engagement in the Community was attained. We held virtual sessions during Covid, in-person sessions post Covid, and door to door knocking with flyers. The idea was met with great enthusiasm, and we were off.

The next big step was to secure funding and grants. This was the most time consuming process and it took a couple years of hard work and great support from the Community and Businesses to pull this off. To start us off, William Blake generously agreed to donate $10,000 for naming rights to the Bike Park. If it wasn’t for them to kick start us, we wouldn’t be here today. We then want to send a special thank you to the Parks Foundation who helped navigate our donations, grants, and supported us along the way. Again, wouldn’t be possible without this great organization. When new costs were incurred, and adjustments were needed to the park, the Flames Foundation stepped in and provided a very generous donation to let us continue on our path and see the project through. Along with these great sponsors, every other person who contributed made this venture possible. You can admire all these helping hands everyday at the Bike Park with our Thank You Banners,

In Summer of 2023, all the stars aligned, and we were able to start construction on this wonderful project. By September 2023, most of the work was completed minus some landscaping and final touches. Now, here we are with a well received and appreciated project. This is just one shining example of what a community coming together can do. When you’re passionate, enthusiastic, and persistent, the Community can accomplish wonderful things.

 

 

 

 

Aerial Video –Click Here!

 

 

The new bike track built for the Marda Loop Community Association is a fantastic addition that brings energy and excitement to our neighborhood. This track was designed to be fun, safe, and inclusive for riders of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just learning to ride, the track provides a challenging yet enjoyable experience that encourages outdoor activity and fitness.

It’s not just a place to ride; it’s a space where neighbors can gather, families can bond, and kids can build confidence in their biking skills. The track’s layout allows for a smooth flow, with various twists, turns, and gentle slopes that keep things interesting without overwhelming younger riders. I can’t measure the number of riders that visit the track, but it is continuously in use and adds another great amenity to our community. The track blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings of Marda Loop, offering a scenic backdrop that enhances the overall experience. It has quickly become a community hub, fostering connection and creating a sense of pride for everyone involved in its creation.

 

Testimonial from Rob Baillargeon (Former MLCA Sport and Rec Chair and Project Lead):

What I took away from the experience is that it takes a community to do a project like this. That community includes the volunteers who got things done, the businesses and individuals that supported it financially, and the city and foundations that helped with the funding. Without one of those pillars these projects may not occur. I was especially appreciative of the businesses in the community that made a contribution. They didn’t have to, but because they are part of the community they did, and so those businesses who contributed, deserve special appreciation and acknowledgement because they aren’t only here to make money off the community but they are also here to be a part of it.

The value of these projects to the community can only be perceived by the amount of activity we see on the bike track. All different ages and skill levels have had the opportunity to refine their biking skills on this great project that will be there for years to come.

What the MLCA board is here to do is to help community members build their vision, and that’s what they did for me.