INNISFAIL - Hoots Ltd., an industry leader in bike facility design, has completed a comprehensive study into 10 potential sites in Innisfail for the planned development of a Bike Skills Park facility.
The idea for a bike park, or pump track, was first advanced by the Rotary Club of Innisfail in May.
The town seized the idea and moved forward to hire a consultant for the development of a Bike Park Facility Master Plan.
The 25-page Matrix Location Report created by Hoots at a cost of about $30,000 was included in Innisfail council’s agenda package for its regular meeting on Aug. 26.
In his report to council, Steven Kennedy, director of operations for the Town of Innisfail, said Hoots was tasked to look at a total of 10 sites across town, including eight green space open field locations, as well as two playground sites.
“The team would look at options to have various bike skills areas and features in several locations if appropriate, versus an all-in-one greater bike skills park, as well as possible trail tie-ins to the existing trail network,” said Kennedy.
He added evaluation for each potential site was based on a number of factors, including site access, existing conditions, terrain/landscape, grade/slope, drainage and infrastructure, as well as any challenges to current and future development.
Kennedy said it was ultimately recommended that four of the top five rated sites be moved along to the next step of the development process.
They will be transformed into renderings for the towm to get a better idea how each will look, and how they will fit within their respective surroundings.
The four chosen sites include the former BMX track area near Cemetery Hill off 50th Street east of Centennial Park, the soccer field southwest of 42nd Street and 51st Avenue immediately behind the Innisfail and District Historical Village, green space at Mac’s Park & Playground off 41st Street and 53rd Avenue, and green space bordered by 49th and 50th avenues at Cannon Park & Playground.
The estimated cost for the sites at the former BMX track and the soccer field are between $100,000 and $500,000 with a dirt pump track option, and up to $750,000 with a paved pump track option.
As for the two playground sites, the estimated cost is between $25,000 and $50,000 for a beginner-intermediate dirt pump track option, and between $85,000 and $120,000 for a beginner-intermediate paved pump track option.
The top ranked location, near the soccer fields at Napoleon Park Sports Fields behind the Innisfail Twin Arena, will miss the cut.
“It was administration's recommendation to not look at the top ranked location at this time,” said Kennedy. “Mainly due to uncertainty of the overall development of that area, be it the multiplex, the new pool, as well as it would require relocation of facilities.
“So, we've really looked at putting that on the back burner.”
He told council that once the renderings of the four chosen potentials site are brought back to council and approved, the town could host an “open house-type gathering” to weigh community feedback to determine a primary site, or even two.
Kennedy added detailed design could begin in early 2025 with construction a possibility in the fall.
Mayor Jean Barclay said a presentation to council by Hoots would be beneficial, noting it was done during the development process for the Innisfail Skatepark.
“I thought it was good to have them have a company present to ask some questions. I think community engagement is so important,” said Barclay. “There are accomplished bike people here in the community, as well as the general community.
“I think there would be some really good feedback from community members,” added the mayor. “That is their space.”
Council accepted the Matrix Location Report as information.
