Bike Park Feasibility Study Presentation

On Tuesday, Fort Collins Parks Planning and Development’s Senior Trails Planner, DK Kemp and Dean Klingner, the city’s Community Services Director updated the Mayor and City Council on the current status of the Bike Park Feasibility Study, which is taking place concurrently to the Hughes Civic Assembly Process.

The report touched on suitable but intentionally vague locations, current city cycling facilities, comparable parks, necessary amenities, potential size, and community interest.

The idea of a bike park in Fort Collins appeared to be well received by the Mayor and City Council; however, some of that support may erode if the Hughes site is ultimately decided to be the best location. Two council members (Gutowsky and Ohlson) have expressed concerns about a bike park being at that location in the past.

The Bike Park Feasibility Study presentation starts at the one-minute mark and lasts for 30 minutes.

In 2024, the Fort Collins City Council allocated $70,000 to conduct a feasibility study for establishing a community bike park. This initiative aims to assess potential locations, amenities, construction costs, and ongoing operational expenses associated with the proposed facility.

Currently, Fort Collins offers several small-scale biking facilities, including a 2.0-acre BMX course at Twin Silo Park, a 0.27-acre pump track at Traverse Park, a 0.53-acre pump track at Soft Gold Park, a 1.85-acre mountain bike skills course at Lory State Park and a 0.7-acre mountain bike skills course at Spring Canyon Park. The proposed bike park seeks to expand upon these existing amenities to better serve the community’s needs.

The feasibility study encompasses several key objectives:

• Potential Locations: Evaluating various sites within Fort Collins to determine the most suitable location for the bike park.

• Amenities and Features: Identifying desired park features, such as dirt jumps, pump tracks, skills trails, and flow trails, to cater to riders of all ages and skill levels.

• Cost Analysis: Estimating capital expenditures and ongoing maintenance costs to ensure financial viability.

• Benchmarking: Studying regional and national bike parks, like Valmont Bike Park in Boulder and Ruby Hill Bike Park in Denver, to adopt best practices and innovative designs.

Community engagement plays a pivotal role in this process. The city plans to involve residents through advisory group discussions and public comment opportunities, ensuring that the park aligns with local interests and needs.

The final feasibility report is expected by May 2025. The outcomes will guide future decisions regarding the bike park’s development, aiming to enhance Fort Collins’ reputation as a bike-friendly community and provide a valuable recreational asset for its residents.