Around 100 people braved a rainy Sept. 26 morning for the grand opening celebration of Rocky Mountain House’s new Co-operative Bike Park.

Dozens of local kids got a chance to try out the new track for the first time, some riding brand new bikes given away during the celebration.

Planning for the $1.8-million track began in 2022 and was made possible through fundraising by the Rocky Bike Park Society and support from local businesses.

After a couple of summers of grassroots fundraising, Rocky Bike Park president Rachel McAdam says community support began to grow, including a $50,000 contribution from TC Energy, support from the Helen Hunley Memorial Foundation, and a partnership with Rocky Credit Union and Evergreen Co-op.

In spring 2025, the society also received a key $684,000 grant from the Alberta government’s Active Communities Initiative.

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With the park now complete, McAdam says she hopes it will attract national-level competitions.

As the only Velosolutions Race Circuit-certified track in central Alberta, McAdam says it could provide a boost to sports tourism and the local economy.

With other courses, including Baseline and Black Mountain, nearby, McAdam believes the West Country could become a centre for competitive cycling.

“I’m really hoping to see this boom into a big attraction,” she says.

McAdam says the park will also allow young competitors to train for national-level races closer to home.

Rocky Mountain House Mayor Shane Boniface says the park is a great addition to the town and a reflection of the community’s generosity and hard work.

“This is going to be something special for our community for many, many years to come,” he says. “My grandchildren’s children will enjoy this park.”

In his remarks, the mayor credited the hard work and vision of organizers, as well as past town councils that supported the project along the way.

While the track can accommodate high-level competitions, it also caters to beginner and intermediate riders, offering a space for riders of all ages and abilities.

McAdam says she had the idea for the project 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 more than 600 members.

The area was once home to a dog park and a Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNRL) wellhead, which was cleared to prepare for construction.