🚴♂️ SHOCKING NEWS! 🚨 Innisfail is about to change FOREVER! 😱 4 potential sites chosen for a massive new Bike Skills Park! Which location will win? 🏆 Your voice matters! 🗣️
#Innisfail #BikePark #Olds #Alberta #CommunityUpdates
.png)
Public Gets First Look at Innisfail Bike Park Locations
The town of Innisfail is taking a significant step toward enhancing its community offerings with the development of a new Bike Skills Park. This project, initiated by the Rotary Club of Innisfail in May, has quickly gained momentum. Now, residents are getting their first look at potential locations for the bike park, thanks to a comprehensive study conducted by Hoots Ltd., a leader in bike facility design.
The Master Plan: A Strategic Approach to Development
Hoots Ltd. was hired by the town to conduct a thorough assessment of 10 potential sites for the bike park. This analysis, documented in a 25-page Matrix Location Report, cost around $30,000 and was recently presented to the Innisfail council. The study evaluated a mix of open field green spaces and playground sites, with a focus on several key factors: site access, existing conditions, terrain, grade, drainage, infrastructure, and potential challenges for future development.
The consultant's goal was not only to determine the best single location for a comprehensive bike skills park but also to explore the possibility of having smaller, interconnected biking areas throughout the town. This approach ensures flexibility and maximizes the town’s existing resources while offering diverse options for different skill levels and community needs.
Four Locations Chosen for Further Consideration
After evaluating all 10 sites, Hoots recommended moving forward with four locations. Each site presents unique opportunities and challenges, and the next phase involves creating detailed renderings to visualize how these parks will fit into their surroundings. The chosen sites include:
- The Former BMX Track Area near Cemetery Hill off 50th Street.
- The Soccer Field southwest of 42nd Street and 51st Avenue, behind the Innisfail and District Historical Village.
- Green Space at Mac’s Park & Playground off 41st Street and 53rd Avenue.
- Green Space Bordered by 49th and 50th Avenues at Cannon Park & Playground.
Weighing the Costs and Benefits
The estimated costs for these projects vary significantly depending on the location and the type of track to be developed. For the former BMX track and the soccer field, the estimated costs range from $100,000 to $500,000 for a dirt pump track and up to $750,000 for a paved version. Meanwhile, the playground sites are estimated to cost between $25,000 and $50,000 for a beginner-intermediate dirt pump track, with a paved option costing between $85,000 and $120,000.
This cost variation reflects different design approaches, which cater to varying levels of difficulty and user needs. Dirt pump tracks are less expensive and easier to maintain, while paved tracks provide a smoother and potentially more enjoyable ride for a broader range of cyclists.
A Surprising Decision: Putting the Top-Ranked Site on Hold
Interestingly, the top-ranked location—near the soccer fields at Napoleon Park Sports Fields behind the Innisfail Twin Arena—was excluded from the next phase of development. Steven Kennedy, Innisfail's director of operations, explained that the area is currently in a state of uncertainty due to other planned developments, such as a new multiplex and pool. Additionally, developing this site would require relocating existing facilities, adding to the complexity and cost.
Community Engagement: A Key to Success
Mayor Jean Barclay and other council members have emphasized the importance of community involvement in the decision-making process. They envision hosting an “open house-type gathering” once the renderings are completed to gather feedback from residents. This input will be crucial in selecting a primary site—or potentially two—for the new bike park.
The council’s commitment to community engagement is an encouraging sign. Previous experiences, such as the development of the Innisfail Skatepark, demonstrated that consulting with residents and biking enthusiasts can lead to more successful and well-received projects.
Moving Forward: What to Expect Next
The development of the Innisfail Bike Skills Park is still in its early stages, but the town is moving swiftly to bring this project to life. If all goes according to plan, detailed designs could begin as early as 2025, with construction potentially starting in the fall.
For now, residents have a chance to shape this exciting new addition to their community. The open house meetings and feedback sessions will be critical in determining the final location and design of the bike park, ensuring it meets the diverse needs and desires of the town’s residents.
Your Voice Matters
What are your thoughts on the potential sites for the new Bike Skills Park in Innisfail? Do you have a favorite location, or do you have other ideas to enhance the community space? Join the conversation on our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter to share your opinions and get involved in this exciting project!