The Moose Jaw Police Association Bike Skills Park has officially opened.
Multiple dirt mounds of different sizes, as well as a jump, a base wall and a starting hill make up the large outdoor structure. Taylor Mickleborough with the Moose Jaw Police Association (MJPA) spearheaded the park’s development.
He said it unofficially opened a while ago but with recent weather it wasn’t in its best state. Mickleborough along with others spent all weekend draining water and re-forming dirt hills. The MJPA wanted kids to have a safe place to be active and keep busy.
“We wanted to do something that would help promote vitality, get kids outside and get kids doing something positive. We also wanted to do something that appealed to families,” Mickleborough said.
The celebration also saw pro-riders show off their biking skills. Jay Hoots, is a former rider and is now a Norco Bikes ambassador. Hoots said he and friends spent their younger years building sand and dirt mounds to bike on, but his home town in British Columbia would always tear them down.
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Hoots said he spent the past few years travelling Canada, helping to build and legalize bike skills parks. He said he’s happy to see children enjoy the parks.
Helmets are a mandatory requirement at the park, with officials deeming it very safe.
“They’ll actually learn how to fall really well on these after a few times,” Boyle said.
The soft dirt is considered safer, compared to concrete or rock, it can help absorb the shock of a fall.
The day wrapped up with prizes, including free bikes, helmets and safety gear. The park is located next to the Yara Centre on High St. and will now be open dusk till dawn.
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