A proposed partnership between the City of Chilliwack and Fraser Valley Regional District could result in the creation of a "regionally significant" bike jump facility at Island 22.
After the city levelled the bike jumps at Sheffield Way and Webb Avenue due to safety and liability issues, a better location was actively sought among the city-owned properties.
"We have a decade long relationship with FVRD for Island 22, and the site meets the criteria for a bike jump facility," said parks official Dave Snider in his presentation about the new plan.
The deal has the city paying $200,000 in capital costs for the design and construction if the bike facility. FVRD chips in $10,000 for the annual maintenance and supervision costs at the site in the northern part of the city which they already run.
The city will also coordinate the consultation process between the riders and the design consultant.
"The remoteness of the site was considered, but often these types of facilities become destinations sites that people drive to," said Snider.
The main focus would be the bike jumps themselves, but there will also be bike components and bike trails.
They're looking to expand the Webster block site to include some bike skills as well.
Coun. Sue Attrill said they were excited to offer this to the community.
"Based on what we're saying we see it as something that will attract not just users from Chilliwack but from across the region and for competitions as well," said Coun. Stewart McLean.
The proposal recommends that the design and consultation process begin in early 2012 and start building the bike park in mid to late spring 2012, weather permitting.
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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