Area cyclists and BMXers are in for a happy new year.
The Town of Creighton plans to build a bike skills park this year after securing a $25,000 grant from the provincial Community Initiatives Fund.
“Along with the Town of Creighton’s matching amount of $25,000 we are well on our way to having a great park,” town recreation assistant Crystal Banting wrote in a recent letter to town council.
Banting said the goal is to start construction on the park this summer and have it open for the fall.
She said the park will be suitable for mountain bikes and BMX bikes, with different skill levels accommodated.
Ald. Don Aasen expects the park to see significant regional usage.
“I think there’s going to be quite a demand,” he said.
Aasen said no location for the park has been finalized. The town plans to involve future users of the park in its development.
Mark Rowe, an avid mountain biker who lives in Flin Flon, welcomes Creighton’s plans.
“I think that would be great,” he said.
“I think there’s enough people that would use it – probably more of the younger people would be more interested. I would probably try it out.”
Between the Community Initiatives Fund grant and Creighton’s contribution, $50,000 is earmarked for the project, with more fundraising planned.
With the project moving forward, Banting has asked that $6,000 in interest accumulated by Creighton’s now-defunct Small Business Loans Program be transferred to the park.
Mayor Bruce Fidler said he and council would discuss that request.
Banting has also asked that a separate bank account be established to receive any additional funds for the project.
She further extended an invitation for council members to sit on the bike skills park board of directors.
Banting invites other citizens interested in sitting on the board, including those prepared to help build features at the park, to contact her at 306-688-3538.
