In 2013, the Town contracted Hoots to develop a Trails Plan with the Nordic & Trail Club to expand recreation opportunities. Informed through public input, a Master Plan was developed outlining the benefits of multi-user trails and bike facilities including enhancing quality of life, embracing of non-traditional sport and economic diversification.

See trailforks for details on the Terra Gravity Bike Park and Fox Creek Trails!

The following year with grants, monetary and ‘in kind’ donations, the Club worked with Hoots to design and construct 6 km of multi-use trail adjacent the visitor center with prep work completed for a 3.5 acre Bike Park. Then in 2015, Hoots designed and built another 2 km of connecting XC trail, redeveloped a 1 km multi-use Town Trail and completed the Bike Park build with mini Flow Trail and 1.5 km up track. The trails and bike facility have been well received with Hoots returning in recent years to build a 3.5 km multi-use XC trail and additional 2.5 km of expanded trail.

Hoots provided a full range of design-build services that included community consultation, collaborative planning, and work with volunteers to develop sustainable facilities that integrate and celebrate nature and the outdoors. The trails wind playfully through the woods and along the upper Creek, while the Bike Park offers a range of progressive features with start / return drop zone, pump tracks, jump lines, skills zone, wall ride and technical balance components, alongside BMX, slopestyle and mini Flow Trail.

Hoots also worked with the Alberta ESRD (Environment and Sustainable Resource Development) to develop 3 km of trails directly beside Fox Creek, a Walleye Fish spawning area. Design and installation involved careful review and assessment of environmental sensitivities and sustainable design solutions with innovative construction techniques to minimize any environmental disturbances.

(photos courtesy of Club, B. Peavoy & Hoots)