Introducing a bike park in a small community can have a transformative impact on the social, economic, and physical well-being of its residents. They serve as a hub for community engagement, bringing together residents of all ages and backgrounds in a shared space for recreation and social interaction. The presence of a bike park promotes healthy lifestyles by encouraging physical activity and outdoor play, contributing to the overall well-being of community members. Additionally, a bike park can foster a sense of belonging and pride among residents, creating a shared space that reflects the interests and needs of the community.

Today’s kids and young adults spend dramatically less time outdoors than generations prior, and children’s physical health indicators and involvement in sports have declined at staggering rates. In Humboldt County, there is a shortage of safe, fun, and accessible places for kids, especially those who are middle-school aged, to enjoy spending time outdoors. The development of a community bike park can play an important role in addressing these problems by providing safe, self-contained spaces for exciting and engaging experiences for children of all ages.

In addition to the benefits to physical health, the development of a bike park can have significant benefits for tourism. It is not uncommon for successful bike parks to draw in hundreds or even thousands of visitors each month, particularly during peak seasons or events. Bike parks attract visitors from outside the local area who are looking for unique biking experiences. This influx of tourists can boost local tourism revenue, support businesses such as bike shops, cafes, and accommodations, and create a more vibrant local economy. Additionally, bike parks can enhance the overall appeal of a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, drawing in visitors who may stay longer and spend more money in the community. Having a world-class bike park facility can also aid in recruitment and retention of professionals to our area, including for physicians and other caregivers, which our community desperately needs.

The McKay Community Forest Bike Park project is located in the Greater Eureka area within the County of Humboldt (County). The project area is managed by the County of Humboldt and is included in their McKay Community Forest Trails Master Plan. RCMBA has a signed Memorandum of Understanding with the County to fund, design, and build the bike park. RCMBA and Sensus RAD Trails (Sensus) have completed the conceptual plan, which includes a proposed $185,000 budget, and is now undertaking the remaining funding aspect.

The almost 5-acre portion of the community forest property has been professionally designed by Sensus. Sensus, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, works with communities, municipalities, and other builders to develop, expand, and construct bicycle-oriented facilities in locations such as the Truckee Bike Park in Truckee, California; the Eureka Mountain Bike Park in Eureka, Missouri; Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and numerous other areas.

The McKay Community Bike Park is a compact, community-scale park that is designed for riders of all ages and skill levels.  A special skill-building area for beginners and several easier runs ensure the park is welcoming to everyone. By offering a variety of tracks, trails and obstacles, the McKay Community Bike Park will support skill development and encourage riders to push their limits in a safe and controlled environment.