Island 22 Bicycke Park - Bike park construction begins

Thursday February 2, 2012

Local News

Island 22 Becoming Wheely Great Place

Construction begins on new bike park at Island 22

Released by Starlee Renton, City of Chwk/Voice file photos

ork is underway on the Island 22 Bike Park, a joint project between the Fraser Valley Regional District and City of Chilliwack.

When completed in April, 2012, the bike park will have jumps, a skills area and trails to challenge riders of all ages and abilities.

"I am proud of the partnership and cooperation on this project between the City of Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley Regional District," said Chilliwack Mayor and Fraser Valley Regional District Board Chair, Sharon Gaetz. "It's exciting that Chilliwack will soon be home to a fantastic bike park that will serve riders from our community and throughout the region."

Kids gets some air at the Yarrow skate park last year.

The Island 22 site is owned by the City of Chilliwack and managed by the Fraser Valley Regional District. The City is providing $200,000 in capital for the project and the FVRD will oversee the construction, ongoing maintenance and supervision of the site. The Bike Park will be located on the north side of the dyke, adjacent to the gatehouse and will run parallel to the dyke for about 250 - 300 metres.

After meeting with a focus group of bike park jump users last month, well-known bike park designer and builder, Jay Hoots is preparing several conceptual designs of a park that can accommodate riders of all ages and skill levels. The bike facility will be constructed under the direction of Hoots and Fraser Valley Regional District staff. The Park is expected to be complete in April 2012. The concepts and ideas received will continue to be shared with the bike jump community through the project's Facebook page, www.facebook.com/island22bikepark

Hoots will also continue to seek input via the social media site and use the feedback to refine his concepts into a set of working drawings for construction.

Please note the Island 22 site will be closed to car traffic over the next couple of weeks during site preparations. The site will remain accessible to users on foot and bicycle.

For more information, visit: www.chilliwack.com