A $40,000 donation from Teck has helped the United Riders of Crowsnest Club (UROC) work on their Kids Corner Biking and Heritage Project in Crowsnest Pass, with the official grand opening of the project set for Spring 2021.
UROC is an organization that provides recreational opportunities for local mountain bike riders.
Geared towards children age six to 12, the Kids Corner project saw the development of over one kilometre of mountain biking trail, supplemented with challenging features including a teeter totter and roller coaster.
“The Kids Corner project is important because it fills a gap where previously there was really not much trail suitable for young/beginner riders,” said Jim Lucas, Trails Coordinator of UROC.
The project, which still has a few more features to be completed, is being overseen by Fernie-based company, Backcountry Trail Experts, who began building the trail and its technical features in mid-July.
Located at the lower end of the Ski Hill Road, Kids Corner is set aside from other trails to avoid through-traffic, complimenting the nearby Bike Skills Park, playing fields, and Isabelle Sellon School playground.
“Its location is great because it is very accessible and near other related facilities including toilets and a picnic shelter,” said Lucas.
“Dad can take the kids to Kids Corner while Mom goes rides some of the main trails at Pass Powderkeg (or vice-versa!). The venue also works well for commercial biking businesses wanting to host clinics – ready access to a range of features for skill development.”
The project further hopes to provide residents with recreational trails to be used for short walks.
Three mining exhibits provided by the Crowsnest Museum will also be displayed in the area, including a Joy loader, Acme Utility Truck and a fire tube boiler. Interpretive signs describing the equipment and its role in local mining will be featured alongside the artifacts.
Teck’s donation covers the majority of expenses required to create the project’s trails and museum displays.
Following feature tune up and the installation of another exhibit and more signage, the Kids Corner’s official opening is set for spring 2021. For more information on the project, head to UROC’s Facebook page.
reporter@thefreepress.ca
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