We’re guessing most of you don’t stalk the agendas of city’s Council-in-Committee meetings. Sounds about as exciting as watching CPAC or reviewing your travel insurance policy. However – last night there was a big win tucked away in a budget table on page 26 of Fredericton’s agenda.
$1.5 Million for Park Plan Implementation.
A part of that money (we hope a big part), will go towards starting to implement the Master Plan for Killarney Lake Park by developing mountain bike trails. This is great progress, and if passed by council, it will enable some real action.
During the development of the plan RVC members and the RVC executive engaged with the city to let them know how important this was to us.
Killarney Lake has a huge potential:
- Its a big area, 645 hectares – when Alpine Bike Parks looked at the area in 2016, they described potential for 50 km of singletrack.
- Its got lots of good terrain that is located within a close ride or short drive for many people on the north side.
- Its got secure access with the stability of a partner like the city.
- Its got existing facilities like a lodge and parking that make it ideal for events and programs.
- The potential is there for year-round riding.
Since the park plan was released, RVC has been continuing the discussion with City staff and we expected to see this budget request for 2023. We’ve developed good relationships over the past year walking the ground at Odell together and workshopping new trail development methods. We’re ready to help them move ahead with developing single track at Killarney Lake and they’ve committed to engaging with us.
This isn’t passed the finish line yet but it’s moving in the right direction. We’re going to let City council know that the riders of this city support this move, and the obvious benefits that it will bring. Vibrant outdoor trails create opportunity for a healthy community and a growing economic impact.
Like this. Share it. Talk about it.
