Since forming in 2011, the Whitecourt Mountain Bike Association (WMBA) has been dreaming about having a Bike Park. Recognizing the interest and demand, and benefits it would bring as a popular recreation attraction for locals and visitors, the WMBA outreached extensively and garnered support, funding and in-kind donations from the Town, Woodlands County and other local business to bring their vision to fruition.

In 2016, with support in hand and several years of communications with Hoots Ltd., WMBA and the Town worked with Jay to develop a comprehensive Bike Park design that would accommodate all skill levels and user groups. Located in the SW area of town, the 11 ha park will be implemented in 4 phases connecting to local recreational trails and park facilities, and comprising of a diverse range of features based on community consultation / input. These include various jump lines and features, multiple pump tracks and skills areas from beginner to advanced-expert, alongside flow trails, cross-country and multi-use trails.

In 2017, Phase 1 of the Bike Park was completed and houses a start / return ramp built into the hillside with beginner to advanced wood drops, entry jumps and berms that take riders into a series of progressive jumps and advanced semi gap jumps line, with return / end berm and pump rollers. A 1.5km long multi-use natural surface trail was also built that winds through the woods across the varied terrain with boardwalk and bridge crossings, and connecting to existing trails. Returning in 2019 for Phase 2, the Hoots crew built an expert BMX style jumps line with wall ride adjacent to the Phase 1 features and completed corridor preparation for an intermediate Flow jump trail through the forested area to be completed in Phase 3.

Throughout summer work, enthusiastic locals and volunteers worked alongside the Hoots crew to help prepare the site and install the various dirt and wood features, employing sustainable, resourceful construction methods and gaining further skills / knowledge in creating durable facilities that support and complement the local environment and surrounds. Alongside enjoying the Bike Park, the WMBA and community continue in their efforts and contributions installing wood fencing and park amenities to compliment the exciting recreation facility!

(photos courtesy of Hoots Ltd / WMBA members)