Grand Opening of New Bike Park in Quesnel

Joint City of Quesnel/CRD Press Release:

The new Adventure Skills Bike Park, located next to the Quesnel and District Arts & Recreation Centre, was officially opened today, with representatives from the Cariboo Regional District, City of Quesnel and Gold Rush Cycling Club taking part in the ceremony. Cycling club members also demonstrated all the park has to offer, including a freestyle section, pump track, and kid’s area. The park has features to challenge young and novice riders as well as experienced and highly skilled riders.

The idea for a new bike park came about in 2010 when members of the Gold Rush Cycling Club approached the City of Quesnel looking for property on which they might locate the park. Following discussions with City staff it became apparent that the ideal location for the park was next to the Arts & Recreation Centre. The Club approached the North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee for permission to build the bike park on City/CRD property.

The City and CRD made the land available, while also providing all the dirt that was required for the park’s jumps and course development. The Gold Rush Cycling Club secured all necessary funding, arranged for and provided considerable in-kind labour, and successfully pursued a number of grants and donations. Several significant donations have been made to the park’s development, including $10,000 from Sunrise 2000 Rotary Club, $5,000 from the Rotary Club of Quesnel and $15,000 from Community Futures. Contributions in kind were received from Blackwater Environmental Solutions, Quesnel Septic Service, and the Hewitt and Sales families. The park was designed and constructed by Duncan MacKenzie, of D Mack Trails from Whistler, BC.

“This new bike park is another fabulous example of how the private and public sectors are building communities together,” said CRD Vice-Chair Ted Armstrong. “On behalf of the CRD, congratulations and thank-you to everyone who played their part in the new adventure skills park, providing a place for families to get active and have fun.”

“Providing a safe place for our youth to develop new skills is something of which all our partners can be proud,” said Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom. “On behalf of Quesnel City Council, I thank the community for coming together to make this project a reality and a success.”

“We appreciate the efforts of everyone who helped make the Bike Park a reality. It wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and volunteers,” said Lori Carifelle of the Gold Rush Cycling Club. “The response to the Park has been excellent. We look forward to seeing the Park continue to grow with new elements and features added each year.”

The Quesnel Adventure Skills Bike Park is open daily from dawn to dusk; bike helmets are mandatory and it is highly recommended that users use other protective equipment, such as knee and elbow pads. Riders are encouraged to ensure their bicycles are in good working order and that they stay within their limits, checking jumps for hazards before use.