Jay first visited the Tofino site in 2006, meeting with local Alex Cutler who then worked with the Rec Commission to raise funds and convince Council that a Bike Park would be great facility for both locals and visitors. In 2011, many proposals and visits later, the decision to build was finalized with location set next to the Community Hall, by the rainforest walking trail to the beach.

Hoots was hired to design a unique bike facility that also played off the local skatepark and surfing community. The goal was to keep it fun for everyone and ensure everything from run bikes to full suspension to cruisers would find something to ride in the Bike Park.

Torrential December downpours held off until Hoots could get site prep and basic layouts complete with the help of Gibson Brothers Contracting Service. The site was cleared and extra materials brought in to raise the floor by ~4 ft to create a solid and well graded site where water could drain and not wreak havoc on the features. Dirt came next for jump shaping, rock blown up and relaid, then gravel surfacing topped things off to create a rideable surface.

The Hoots crew returned in May 2012 to continue building with local cedars brought in for the wood elements. Finally the “BIG” feature of the park was imported from the Czech Republic – a mobile pump track from Bikeparkitect and the first of its kind installed in North America.

The local involvement and efforts showcased during the project were amazing throughout together with the dedication of the District. The community embraced the Bike Park from Day 1 including Artie Ahier, volunteer extraordinaire and past restaurateur who also helped nourish the crew and hearty team of volunteers.