Volunteers to Build Kid’s Bike Park

  (MANHATTAN, KS – September 9, 2021) The City of Manhattan Parks and Recreation Department (Parks & Rec) and Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee are partnering with BikeWalkMHK, private donors, and volunteers to build a Kid’s Bike Park skills course near the playground in Frank Anneberg Park. Work begins at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 11.

“The goal is to help kids build skills and we’re hoping the bike park will be completed and open next week,” said Eddie Eastes, Director of Manhattan Parks and Recreation. “The Kid’s Bike Park is designed for young children ages 3-10, but older kids and adults will be able to use the course, as well.”

The Kid’s Bike Park will include features such as tree trunk discs, a small rock garden, and a balance beam. There will also be a dirt bump track with small bumps and berms.

“The bike park will give kids the chance to build their skills on the fun, challenging course features,” said Jared Tremblay from BikeWalkMHK. “Developing balance and confidence is important to safe and competent cycling on and off the road.”

Additional volunteers are needed to help perform the work. A signup form is available on the BikeWalkMHK website at https://www.bikewalkmhk.com/kids-bike-park. Volunteers are asked to bring their own gloves and tools, such as shovels and cordless drills, if possible.

This is truly a community effort and represents partnerships between several organizations. Manhattan Parks & Rec, BikeWalkMHK, and Habitat for Humanity are offering tools, labor, and construction skills.  Private donations from Parks and Rec Advisory Board member Sue Maes and BikeWalkMHK funds purchased building materials. Parks & Rec is also providing staff time, limestone screenings, and dirt.

“We have a long history of successful partnerships with the bicycle community,” said John Adam, Community Development Senior Planner and staff liaison to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. “Manhattan adopted a Bicycle and Pedestrian Systems Plan in 2020 and we’re working to expand and enhance the community’s biking and walking infrastructure.”

Past collaborative projects include the Little Apple Loop and Parks for People.  Find more information about the Bicycle and Pedestrian Systems Plan, Bike/Walk month, bike routes, and more at www.cityofmhk.com/bikes. Find current trail conditions at www.mhkprd.com/checkthetrail.

The mission of the City of Manhattan is to sustain order and protect public safety, promote public health, preserve the built environment, and enhance economic vitality. The city supports a regional community in which individuals and families develop and thrive. More information about the City of Manhattan is available online at www.cityofmhk.com, on Facebook at /Cityofmanhattan and on Twitter @cityofmhk.