Discussion of new Concord bike park to take place next week

The old wading pool at Rollins Park is pictured. Monitor file
Published: 07-19-2024 5:06 PM
Modified: 07-23-2024 8:40 AM |
Given the sustained popularity of cycling and mountain biking, several community groups have an idea to bring a bike park to Concord – think skate park with jumps and ramps but for bikes instead of skateboards.
Their presentation outlines “an aesthetically pleasing sculpted park designed for kids and adults to practice and improve their skills for mountain biking and BMXing.”
The Central New Hampshire New England Mountain Bike Association, the Central New Hampshire Bicycling Coalition and other Concord residents will give a presentation Thursday night to highlight what the new park would entail.
The groups estimate a cost of between $100,000 and $200,000 that private donations would cover, and they’ve identified two potential Concord parks for its construction: Rollins Park or Martin Park.
Among the pros and cons they list for each location, Rollins Park is easily accessible by bike and has proximity to a pool, but has less parking available and “no rocks or features to incorporate into the design.” Martin Park, on the other hand, presents more flexibility in terms of landscaping and space to use but is harder to access by bike and isn’t as close to a pool or playground.
Motivated by a bike park in Keene that’s a half acre in size that they say has received positive feedback, the groups are hoping to create a similar opportunity for Concord residents to enjoy the outdoors. The park would be usable for both kids and adults of varying skill levels.
The meeting will be held by the Concord Parks and Recreation Department on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the West Street Ward House.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the day of the meeting. It will be held on Wednesday, not Thursday.
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