Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Possible Locations?


One of the big factors in trying to develop a bike park or bike features within an existing park is space. Olympia as about 13 undeveloped parks that have been acquired in the past two years. Several factors become important considerations when looking for a spot.

Accessibility. Being on a major bus route will be important. A large number of the regular users would be between the ages or 12 to 22 just like the Yager Park Skate Court. Those under 18 are likely to ride to the park or take the bus.



Facilities. Having the site close to restrooms and a water source will be important. Many of the riders will spend several hours riding in the area and may need access to restrooms and drinking water.

Openness and High Park Use Traffic. Location the bike features in a park with a fair amount of park user traffic and visibility will keep those using the features of their best behavior as well as eliminate the possibility of young users being harassed or harmed.



Given these criteria, I can think of one park that has not been developed as of yet and will have other activities that will appeal to the typical young user of a bike park.

Ward Lake
Ward Lake is a parcel that the city acquired off of Yelm Highway and plans to develop into a fresh water swimming access park. The park is approximately 10 acres and I feel would be an ideal host for a bike park area.

Attached is a photo of the property and possible bike related use. Keep in mind that the suggestions on the photo are just that. I have no ideal how far along the city is with it's planning on this park.

No comments:

Post a Comment