The hills, twists, and turns made of dirt are grabbing a lot of attention from cyclists and passersby wondering what's being built at Taft Park in Richfield.
Crews are putting the finishing touches on the new Taft Bike Park at 62nd Street and Bloomington Avenue. The off-road bike park is a just feet from the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail and gives riders a unique opportunity in the south metro.
"This is pretty unique," said Luke Skinner, an Associate Superintendent at Three Rivers Park District. "This is really giving cyclists a look at a mountain bike trail, in the middle of a city. It's got bumps, curves, berms, and it has jumps. For whatever skill level you are, there's anything for you to do at this park."
The bike park replaces an outdoor ice rink. Construction began earlier with a goal of finishing in early October. Due to heavy rainfall at the end of September and into early October, the official grand opening was delayed until Thursday, October 12th.
"We partner closely with Richfield Public Schools and their safe routes to school program," said Richfield Recreation Services Director Amy Markle. "In working with their coordinator, learning that a lot of their students don't have access and opportunity to learn to ride bikes, or bike in general. About 30 percent of students don't know how to ride a bike, or don't have one."
Markle said Minneapolis Bike Parks approached the city about putting a bike park in Richfield.
"They spent some time with us explaining to us what bike parks are and we toured a few in the metro," Markle said. "We reached out to Three Rivers Park District and it seemed like the perfect project because the location is right next to the regional trail."
The park features a beginner's loop that is adaptive bike friendly. It also includes a number off-road bike features, like berms, rock features, rollers, jumps, pump track (including a smaller one for the tots), and sloped wood decking.
"Our intention was to have an amenity that people of all ages and abilities could come out and fully participate. Biking is hopefully lifelong, so hopefully grandparents will be out here with grandkids and everything in-between," added Markle.
Richfield is part of the Three Rivers Park District and Skinner says they were looking at ways to add more amenities to the area and connect people to the outdoors.
"We have a regional trail that goes by Taft Park and we want to connect people to the outdoors, try new things, and be excited about it. It just connects them to a different way and maybe will encourage them to go out and try another trail in our system."
Officials plan on holding a ribbon cutting at Taft Bike Park on Thursday, October 12 at 5 p.m. The event will feature a DJ, food truck, and opportunities to enjoy everything the park offers.