Proposed Bike Park

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Marda Loop Communities Association (MLCA) in partnership with The City of Calgary, is proposing the development of a new bike skills park central to the communities of Marda Loop. The bike park will provide a recreational opportunity that includes a pump track to build and improve bike skills. The bike park is intended for people of all ages and abilities, from a toddler on a balance bike to intermediate teen and adult riders. Access to the bike park is intended to be for those who purchase a membership to the MLCA, which would also give such members access to the MLCA’s other services and amenities.

The proposed bike park will be funded and constructed by the community and maintained by volunteers of the MLCA. The bike park is currently planned to be paved to reduce dust and long-term maintenance costs. We are looking for your input on the impact on the community.

PARK DESIGN

Below is an example of a typical paved pump track.

PARK LOCATION

The location of the proposed bike skills park is west of the Fire Hall off 14 ST SW and south of 30th AVE SW as shown in the map below. This area currently has a ball diamond that is underutilized and will be converted into the bike park. The exact location of the park might shift slightly within the area, depending on the final design but it will be placed to maximize the enjoyment of the entire green space for all other activities.

PROPOSED TIMELINE

Summer 2020 – Public engagement

Spring 2021 – Demolition of the existing ball diamonds

Summer 2021  – Construction begins

Late Summer 2021 – Construction complete

APPROVAL PROCESS

In order to build the Bike Park, we will need 2/3 of the residents living within a sightline of the land to approve the project. As one such resident, we are seeking your feedback and to answer any questions you may have about the project. We are only just beginning our consultation process, so we encourage your feedback regarding our proposed use of this space in order to ensure that we build it to the satisfaction of the community. Please contact Siwei Chen at sportsrec@mardaloop.com telling the MLCA if you support, have any objections, questions or comments.

PROJECT FUNDING

The project is targeting 50% of the funding to come from provincial matching grants and the remainder to be funded through community individual and business fundraising, neighboring community associations, and the MLCA. The MLCA will support future ongoing maintenance and operation funding with most maintenance being completed by community volunteers. The total construction cost of the project is expected to be between $80,000 – $100,000 with annual expenses of less than $1,000.