Poor conditions may have delayed the grand re-opening of the Riverfront micro bike park on July 26, but once things dry out from last night’s pounding thunderstorm, the park will be ready for riders.
Bike Cochrane had planned to mark the park’s completion with a few remarks and plenty of ice cream on Saturday afternoon. President Robert Martens says the celebration will likely be rescheduled.
A team of dedicated volunteers donated hundreds of hours to significantly improve the bike skills park along the river pathway.
It’s part of Bike Cochrane’s long-term plan to develop bike parks across town that are designed for cyclists of all ages and abilities. This one is geared toward young riders learning skills they can enjoy for a lifetime. It was originally opened in 2022.
LaunchPad nearing reopening
The LaunchPad on Bow Street Common, behind the Garmin building, is nearly ready to reopen following a major upgrade.
The track has been paved and painted and may look ready to ride, but there’s still critical work to be completed before it can officially open.
Martens says the sides of the paths and steep corners need to be reinforced with concrete. Without it, all the work invested in the project risks being washed away.
“We need a few solid days of sunshiny weather, so please be patient!” states a recent club newsletter. “Once the fences are gone, then it will be ready!”
Martens says the reopening is currently scheduled for Sept. 13.
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Like many other outdoor initiatives, the project has been delayed by what’s shaping up to be one of the wettest Julys on record.
Last week, Christy Climenhaga, a scientist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, told Cochrane Now the community had already received double its usual July rainfall — a figure likely surpassed in recent days.