A seesaw, a steep ramp and a log bridge are among the obstacles at Coquitlam's new bike skills park.
This month, the city opened two gravel circuits at Mariner Way and Chilko Drive: a 160-metre-long beginners' track and a 240 m course for intermediates. Both link with the paved path that circles the outside of Mundy Park.
Michelle Hunt, Coquitlam's director of planning and business services, said the site has been a popular recreational destination since the fencing came down on July 8.
And during a visit on Wednesday, tots on tricycles being pushed by their parents, pre-schoolers and caregivers out walking dogs, and teens looking for a challenge could be seen on the two routes, many of them happy to have somewhere new to play.
Designed by van der Zalm and Associates with consultation from city parks staff and local cycling groups, the bike skills park cost Coquitlam taxpayers $157,000.
Part of the city's Off-Road Cycling Strategy as well as the master trails plan, the Mariner bike skills park follows the construction of the BMX grounds at Town Centre Park in City Centre. Next up are advanced bike trails set to be built next year in the Riverview forest, also on Mariner Way.
Over the past decade, the east side of Mundy Park - along the BC Hydro right-of-way - has changed dramatically with the addition of an animal shelter and an off-leash dog area. Currently, the city is undergoing a management plan for Mundy's 400 acres, which were dedicated as an urban forest park in 1993.
