As ‘cross continues to grow, land access becomes an important issue for both racing and practices. Just ask the folks in Portland, as the Cross Crusade series’ explosive growth has forced the series to move out of the more urban settings to accommodate the 1000+ racers. Towns like Louisville (as featured in Issue 3) and Boulder are proactively addressing this issue, by seeking permanent venues for cycling, including permanent cyclocross courses. Boulder is currently raising funds for their park. Want to help out? Contribute to the cause and fund a barrier or two. Don’t worry, the UCI is not involved in the course design or approval process. See the press release below.
Boulder Mountainbike Alliance launches fundraising campaign to build 45-acre bike park in Boulder, Colo..
The Boulder Mountainbike Alliance (BMA) and the city of Boulder’s Parks and Recreation Department are excited to announce the launch of a fundraising campaign to support the development of Valmont Bike Park. The 45-acre bicycle park is a significant component of the development plan for Valmont City Park, which was adopted earlier this year by the Boulder City Council.
The city of Boulder purchased the 132-acre Valmont site in 1995 with sales tax revenue, and plans are now set for Phase One development that will begin in 2009. The bike park is currently included in the Phase One development, along with the development of a dog park, the adaptive re-use of an historic farmhouse, parking, a disc golf course, infrastructure and utilities improvements.
Bike Park
The Parks and Recreation Department and BMA have entered into a public-private partnership to develop a portion of the city-owned land into a bike park. The venue will encompass a network of singletrack mountain bike trails, a permanent cyclo- course, a children’s skills area, a pump track, amenities for BMX and other facilities to suit beginning to experienced athletes. The park’s Front Range setting and terrain will provide an impressive backdrop for daily riding, learning and teaching. The bike park design will accommodate programming, ranging from youth cycling development programs to world-class bicycle racing. Boulder is the unofficial bike capital of the USA, and this facility will proudly represent the city and its cycling community, setting a high standard for cycling parks worldwide.
Timeline
The Parks and Recreation Department has allocated funds for planning and construction for Phase One of development. Design professionals and trail designers are currently being interviewed, with the goal of finalizing the bike park design later this year or early 2009. Construction of the facility is slated for April 2009 with an anticipated goal of completion of the bike park by later that summer.
Funding and Partnership
The city has provided the land for Valmont Bike Park, as well as funds for planning and construction. BMA has entered into a partnership with the city to provide design input, raise funds, build community awareness, and manage and maintain the site when completed. While funding is in place for much of the anticipated construction costs, there is not enough capital funding to provide for all of the proposed facilities and park features. Hence, BMA is working to raise $500,000 through grants, private donations and corporate sponsorships to help supplement the construction budget. These additional funds will allow cycling enthusiasts to enjoy a truly extraordinary, premiere outdoor cycling venue in Boulder.
How to help
Members of the cycling community are encouraged to contribute to the development of this unique world-class cycling facility. More than 10 years in the making, the Valmont Bike Park is a dream that will become a reality for cycling enthusiasts. This unique and exciting facility, which will be designed and managed by cyclists, needs the cycling community’s financial support at this critical stage of development.
Contributing is easy at www.valmontbikepark.com
For more info contact:
Bobby Noyes
Boulder Mountainbike Alliance (BMA) – Valmont Bike Park Director
303-402-0190 or [email protected]
