Sugar Cayne
Big announcement yesterday about a new 8 million dollar bike park getting built in Atlanta! This is gonna be huge!!! Below is part of the press release from Beltline.org
Atlanta Beltline Partnership is thrilled to announce a transformative $8 million donation from Chestnut Family Foundation, marking a significant milestone in the fundraising efforts needed to construct a new Bike Park at Westside Park. When fully funded, this project will become one of the most unique and inclusive biking facilities in Atlanta, offering a new recreational experience for the metro communities.
Planned features of the new park include:
- Mountain Bike Trails: The park will feature 2.25 miles of mountain bike trails designed to cater to various skill levels, including adaptive mountain bikes to ensure people of all abilities can enjoy the experience. These trails will include:
- Beginner and Intermediate Trails: Equipped with berms, switchbacks, bridges, boardwalks, natural obstacles, and rollers.
- Gravity Trail: A challenging route for intermediate to advanced riders, featuring natural and built obstacles, large rocks, steep drop-offs, tight switchbacks, and technical rock gardens.
- Pump Track: Available for a variety of wheeled sports, this state-of-the-art asphalt pump track is designed for riders of all skill levels to practice momentum, balance, and agility. The track includes berms and rollers, allowing riders to refine their technique and bike control without pedaling.
- Bicycle Playground: Tailored for beginners, particularly children, this area will feature low-risk elements such as balance beams, small rollers, and gentle turns to help new riders build confidence and basic bike handling skills.
- Jump Lines: A range of jump lines will be available, from beginner-friendly to advanced, featuring clear signage for difficulty levels and safe landing zones to encourage progression and skill development.
- Skills Course: This area will present technical challenges such as narrow bridges, rock gardens, and tight switchbacks, designed to simulate real trail conditions and help riders of all levels improve their technical skills.
- Hiking Trails: The park will also include serene hiking trails that meander through the natural landscape, offering accessible paths with varying difficulty levels. These trails will be designed to minimize environmental impact while providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all users.
- Start Area and Overlook: The park will feature a dual-purpose start area integrated with an overlook, providing a stunning view of the bike park and surrounding landscape. This area will serve as a starting point for adventures and a spot for relaxation and social interaction.
The Bike Park is key to realizing the Atlanta Beltline’s vision of making Atlanta a global beacon for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable life. By offering healthy outdoor activities and making sports like bicycling and mountain biking accessible to all residents, especially those in underserved communities, the park embodies this vision. It also furthers the mission of the Chestnut Family Foundation, led by husband-and-wife Ben and Teresa Chestnut, which partners with nonprofits that have
The first phase of construction is expected to begin at the end of 2025. This is awesome news! Atlanta is definitely in need of a facility like this.
