After years of planning and fundraising, a new bike park in Rocky Mountain House is set to begin construction this spring. The project, spearheaded by the Rocky Mountain Bike Park Society, aims to create a community hub for all ages and skill levels, featuring asphalt tracks, a skills park, and more.
Rachel McAdam, president of the society, began the idea in early 2021 after discussing the need for a bike park with her husband. The idea quickly gained traction when she created a Facebook group to gauge interest in the community. Within 48 hours, the group grew to over 600 members.
“When we started this project, I wanted to go big or go home,” said McAdam. “There’s no harm in trying to make this as big as possible.”
The society has worked tirelessly over the past few years, she says, raising nearly $1.1 million through community fundraising and securing sponsorships and donations from local businesses. Additionally, they have applied for several government grants, with hopes of reaching their $1.7 million goal to fully realize the park’s vision.
While full construction is dependent on receiving additional funding, Phase 1 will see the construction of two asphalt tracks by this spring, with completion expected by the fall. These tracks will be designed by Velosolutions, a company renowned worldwide for their expertise in building high-quality bike parks, including the Red Bull Race Track.
The track will be a racecourse, part of the Velosolutions Western Canada Race Circuit, which McAdam believes will draw sports tourism to the area. Additionally, the track will also cater to beginner and intermediate riders, offering a safe, fun space for riders of all ages and abilities.
“Anything with wheels can use the track,” said McAdam. “Your toddler with a strider bike can use the track. It’s also wheelchair accessible.”
If additional funding is secured, the full-scale park will include a jump area with multiple heights, a skills park within the trees, and a bridge connecting the park to West Central. Other amenities will include picnic tables, bleachers, and benches, ensuring the park is a welcoming space for everyone.
Map of the proposed Rocky Mountain House Bike Park (Velosolutions/Rocky Mountain Bike Park Society)
The proposed location for the park is north of West Central High School and west of Highway 11. This area was once home to a dog park and a Canadian Natural Resources (CNRL) wellhead, which has now been cleared to prepare for construction.
The town has been highly supportive of the project, says McAdam, providing assistance with grant applications and fundraising efforts. As a result, McAdam believes the bike park could become a significant tourist attraction, bringing more visitors and tourism dollars to the community.
McAdam points to the fledgling project, as well as existing nearby attractions like Black Mountain in Nordegg as having the potential to draw people and tourism dollars to the area.
The society plans to continue fundraising, and hopes to acquire grants such as provincial Community Facility Enhancement Grant (CFEP) the coming year— possibly moving forward with the entire project sooner if funding comes through.
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