Cochrane's newest society, Bike Cochrane, is looking to mobilize community support to help build the town's first bike park.
"Springwood Developments has given us support and possible use of lands currently not under development," said an enthusiastic Andrea Marchand, co-owner of local bike store Bike Bros.
With an estimated price tag of $100,000, the park is looking to build in one of the vacant areas surrounding the new Garmin building in the heart of the Springwood development – although the exact location is yet to be confirmed.
As the wheels of momentum begin to spin, those looking to wear their support can purchase a $30 T-shirt or $100 T-shirt – with the latter earning the donor their name listed as a sponsor. There will be business sponsorship opportunities as well.
Members of Bike Cochrane were on deck at the Cochrane Tourism Association's brand platform reveal last Wednesday at the RancheHouse to share the schematic of their dream pump/flow park, featuring a walkway/viewpoint, roller/pump section, a tabletop and snake run, log ride and drop-in area surrounded by pathways and retaining walls with natural elements.
As the group moves forward with the development permit process with the Town of Cochrane – which has been "very supportive" of the group's initiative – Bike Cochrane is looking for volunteers to form committees to help with a number of their initiatives.
Marchand explained that in addition to forming a bike park committee, they are also looking to form a committee to advocate for a permanent facility to encompass all walks of cyclists; a group to map existing trails to improve connectivity within town; and to help out as bike guides with the coming June 8 and 9 "Explore Cochrane" weekend.
Bike Cochrane is one of the sporting groups presenting to the town's recreation and parks committee this Saturday, March 16 to plead its case as to be considered as a stakeholder on the 130-acre site the town has annexed north of Heritage Hills from Rocky View County, reserved for recreational purposes. Their vision could encompass all types of cyclists.
"Because there are number of initiatives that Bike Cochrane wants to tackle, within the next month we will be inviting interested parties to join the conversation," she said.
Check out bikebros.ca to learn more or stop by the shop located at 128 River Ave. to find out how you can help.
