2. THAT the construction of a Dirt Jump Bike Park within Gladwin Park as referenced in Report No. PRC , be approved; and

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1 Sa '~A ABBOTSFORD Report No. PRC April 25, 2012 File No: COUNCIL REPORT Executive Committee To: From: Subject: Mayor and Council Rick Daykin, Director, Park Services Scott Watson, Park PlannerlDesigner Dirt Jump Bike Park - Gladwin Park RECOMMENDATIONS 1. THAT Report No. PRC , dated April 25, 2012, from the Director, Park Services; and the Park Planner/Designer, regarding the construction of a Dirt Jump Bike Park within Gladwin Park, be received; 2. THAT the construction of a Dirt Jump Bike Park within Gladwin Park as referenced in Report No. PRC , be approved; and 3. THAT the Mayor and Corporate Office be authorized to execute all documents related to this matter. BACKGROUND The Parks, Recreation & Culture Department (PRC) is experiencing growing demands for non-traditional bicycle recreation, including off-road mountain biking and BMX riding. The riding community has developed some informal or 'rogue' facilities within Abbotsford's parks and, in some cases on private land. Parks staff dismantle rogue sites as they become aware, due to liability concerns. A dirt jump park at Palm Court Park was dismantled in Many of these informal facilities are designed and constructed poorly and/or are in conflict with other park users and residents. To help better manage this growing sport, and to reduce the number of informal facilities within Abbotsford, a Dirt Jump Bike Park is being proposed in Gladwin Park. The growth of these healthy and youth-positive recreational activities should be supported and encouraged, particularly given the minimal costs of developing and maintaining non-traditional bicycle recreation facilities in comparison to other, more traditional recreation facilities., Dirt jumping consists of a rider going over a variety of relatively steep and often high dirt jumps. Jumps are usually placed in a line with some paired together. More advanced jumps often have an open gap between them. Riders will go over the jumps and do any number of tricks while in mid-air. The PRC Commission provided an endorsement-in-principle for this proposal at their April 19,2011 meeting.

2 Report No. PRe Page 2 of 3 ANALYSIS Many local governments have developed dirt jump parks for youth oriented activities. To reduce the development of informal dirt jumps that can become dangerous, a portion of Gladwin Park has been identified as a site that could accommodate this type of activity. Dirt jump bike parks that have been developed in other municipalities are, in most instances, relatively modest in scale and budget. The primary building material used is soil that is high in clay content. The installation can be maintained quite simply, and removed at low cost should circumstances warrant. BC Hydro has no objection in principle to this proposal, but until final detailed plans are provided is unable to give final approval. Risk Management Risk Management is being addressed through careful design, proper signage, careful commissioning of the facility, and an on-going maintenance program. Proper signage is the best way to ensure successful risk communication too users. While it is understood that bicycle recreation facilities do entail some form of risk, it is necessary to be absolutely clear upon entry of exactly what those risks may be and the safety measures that should be taken to ensure a positive experience. Maintenance The Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association (FVMBA) have provided a letter of support and are willing to enter into a maintenance agreement for this dirt jump bike park. Additional support could come from local Park Stewards who could involve bicycle park users in the on-going maintenance. Tremendous opportunities exist for developing community stewardship through organized work days where riders help carry out maintenance duties. Unlike other types of more traditional recreation (e.g. field sports), non-traditional bike sports have historically actively involved riders in facility maintenance. This is both because ongoing, daily spot maintenance is required and because volunteer maintenance has always been a part of the non-traditional biking culture. This is why the expression "If you ride, you dig," is often heard in non-traditional biking community. This would go a long way in building positive neighborhood relationships, and to install positive community values with riders. STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS The development of a Dirt Jump Bike Park supports the Social Strategic Direction, Provide a safe, Healthy and Inclusive Community, by promoting community wellness through physical activity. FINANCIAL PLAN IMPLICATION $5,000 from Community Park Planning & Design, for design work and $10,000 from DCC has been identified in the 2012 Budget for the development of the park. The majority of the work will be completed by volunteers, including the placing and shaping of the jumps. The annual budget required for maintenance is suggested to be up to $2,500/year, and will be issued to FVMBA for their work.

3 Report No. PRe Page 3 of 3 COMMUNICATION PLAN PRC hosted an open house at the Agrifair Arena on January 19, 2012, during the indoor BMX practice times. 60 people signed the attendance sheet with five providing positive written comments. One neighbor provided verbal comments in favor of the proposal over the phone. No negative comments have been received. Luke Fulgham, principle of Earth Ramp Bike Parks created a model of the proposed design and was on hand to answer questions regarding the design. The proposal would create three distinct levels of dirt jumps, beginner, intermediate and professional. 300 flyers were delivered to local residents one week before the open house, and the date and time of the open house was placed on the PRC web page. At the May 17, 2011 Agri-Fair Board of Directors meeting the endorsement of this proposal was provided with the following conditions: 1. the site is closed during the annual Agri-Fair event; 2. the same footprint that was available to Agri-fair in 2011 is made available for trailer parking; 3. the access road remains open. SUMMARY It is recommended that staff proceed with the design and construction of the Dirt Jump Bike Park in Gladwin Park. Rick Daykin, Director, ark Services Approved by: Mark Taylor General Manager, Parks, Recreation & Culture.--~ /, r'''.,~.. ~.", ~ ~ _ ~ /'--S-cotfWatson, Park Planner/Designer ATTACH: Aerial photo of proposed location Photo of model Open House Flyer Letter of Support from FVMBA Signage Example

4 o ~h ABBOTSFORD PROPOSED DIRT JUMP BIKE PARK SITE PLAN DW G NO: SCALE : N.T.S. PLOT DATE: 2012 _ 04 _ 26 s

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7 OPEN HOUSE Thursday January 19, :00pm - 9:00pm Agrifair Arena, Abbotsford Exhibition Park Haida Drive The Parks, Recreation & Culture Department is proposing to develop a Dirt Jump Bike Park within Gladwin Park (Under the Hydro lines). Come out to have a look at the design concept and provide comments.

8 . ~. ~. ': May 3,2011. To whom it may concern: The Fraser Valley Mountain Bikers Association would be pleased to enter into a maintenance agreement with the City of Abbotsford to oversee the maintenance of a dirt jump park adjacent to Exhibition Park. We aim to appoint local riders to take care of the continued maintenance of a dirt park, who will also be a part of the FVMBA executive. The FVMBA will ensure the dirt jump park builders have access to the tools required and are authorized to do any alterations of this area. Twice a year, as decided by our dirt jump executives, the FVMBA will arrange for some equipment and more building material (primarily dirt) should it be needed and redo any d~terioration of the jumps. In order to meet the above listed objectives we require an annual budget from the City of Abbotsford. The budget we are asking for should be in the range of $5-8K to pay for equipment needed and tools to keep this area up to a standard needed. The FVMBA is a non profit society and recognizes the need for dirt jump parks and has the expertise to help this excellent project to succeed. A Memorandum of Understanding can be signed, a budget decided, and a fonnal agreement reached between Abbotsford and the FVMBA. At a executive meeting of the FVMBA a motion was passed to enter into a ma!ntenance agreement of this dirt jump area with the City of Abbotsford.

9 THE TECHNICAL RIDING FEATURES WITHIN THE DIRT JUMP BIKE PARK ARE RATED FOR DIFICULTY USING A SIMILAR SYSTEM TO THAT OF SKI HILLS. FEATURE DIFFICULTY RATING BEGINNER INTERMEDIATE ADVANCED CAUTION THIS BIKE PARK IS NOT SUPERVISED. USE AT OWN RISK. IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT RIDERS WEAR HELMETS AND BODY ARMOUR. THIS SPORT COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS BODIL Y INJURY, PARALYSIS OR DEATH. RIDERS MAINTAIN CONTROL OF YOUR BICYCLE AT ALL TIMES NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES SIGNAGE EXAMPLES