The Black Bear Bike Park is now open in Creighton and is an extraordinary skills course featuring various challenging levels of riding.
Since installation was completed after the May long weekend, I have spent countless hours over many days with my nine-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son riding this park.
My kids absolutely love it! I have spent some great bonding time with my kids, helping and encouraging them as they tackle the various obstacles.
My grin was ear to ear as I worked with my daughter, who was more hesitant, and slowly was able to get her to do more and more on her own. Hearing her say, “I can’t, Daddy” as I helped hold her on a ramp, and then watching her ride back up on her own, telling herself, “I can do this! I believe in myself” put a huge smile on my face. It was exciting to see her build self-confidence.
There are many other advantages to a challenge course like this. Not only does going to this park allow me to spend quality time with my kids, enjoy physical exercise and take a break from screen time, it also teaches critical thinking, problem solving, situational awareness and how to gauge and assess risk. I want to expose my kids, under supervision, to situations in which they are able to develop these skills that will benefit them later in life as well.
The residents of Creighton are lucky to add this course to their already large number of family-friendly activities, such as the five playgrounds, three outdoor skating bunks, a spray pool, a soccer field with a running track, the Sportex and the spray pool.
Of course there are also the many programs / workshops offered throughout the year for all ages, from young kids to seniors. We are very lucky to have so many facilities in our town that offer residents safe places to learn, explore and have fun!
I, for one, am very grateful to our recreation staff and committee, the town council, the town office staff and the public works employees who work so hard to provide so much for this town.
I know how much time and effort goes into writing the grant applications that pay for so many of our facilities and programs, and I appreciate it. Thank you for all of your hard work!
Darrell Janzen is a resident of Creighton and father of two awesome kids!
