2 days ago
Rolling toward the finish line: bike park to bring new outdoor playground to Haywood County
Jun. 9—Haywood commissioners have awarded a $1.3 million contract to build facilities for phase II of the Raccoon Creek Bike Park, and the work will be done by a local contractor.
Phase 1 of the county's most far-reaching recreation project yet is already complete, though the park is not yet open the public.
It includes a bike pump track and skills courses for various proficiency levels. The park is near Junaluska Elementary School and on property purchased as a buffer zone for the long-closed Francis Farm landfill.
At the Haywood County Board of Commissioners meeting last week, the board awarded a contract for phase II to Appalachian Sitework to build the bike park's pavilion, restrooms and playground.
The company's bid was the lowest of four at just under $1.33 million The project had $767,000 on hand, and another $850,000 was added — funds that were transferred from an interest earnings account, which had exceeded budget expectations.
The bid documents specify the work is to be substantially complete within 190 calendar days of the start date, which is expected to launch in June.
The track was built by Velosolutions, which has built more than 800 pump tracks and bike trails all over the world.
Elli Flagg, director of the Haywood County Parks and Recreation Department, said when a special event was held for the park sponsors, all were impressed with what they saw, including riders who demonstrated the track's versatility.
The professional design will allow the park to be certified as a course where competitions can take place and thus bring an influx of visitors to the area, she said.
While the track is mostly for bikes, skateboarders and those on scooters are welcome, too. The track is not open to motorized vehicles, with the exception of Class 1 E-bikes.
In addition to the beginner skills track and the outer trails that have steep jumps, an obstacle course, a tunnel and even a bike repair station fully equipped with tools, sidewalks are in place, and the road and parking lot are graveled.
What's to come
The latest contract will add the water and sewer infrastructure, restroom facilities, paving for the road/parking area, and construction of pavilion where a dozen picnic tables will be under cover. A playground area will also be added, but that isn't part of the Appalachian Sitework contract.
All facilities will be handicapped accessible, including the playground, Flagg said.
While some have been tempted to try out the completed pump track, both Flagg and Assistant County Manager Kris Boyd said that with construction equipment moving in, that would be too dangerous. A fence has been placed around the perimeter of the area, and a locked gate is in place.
The project was pushed back 90 days or so as the county dealt with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, said Boyd, who has been handling the contract details.
Given all the hurricane recovery work still needed in the region, Boys said the county felt lucky to have four bidders on the pump bike project.
"This is about a $2.9 million project, and about 50% of the funds have come from the county. That's almost unheard of to have a project like this and the county had to only pay for half," he said.
Here's how the Raccoon Creek Bike Park, sponsored by Mountain Credit Union, was paid for. Phase one was $679,062 and the county committed to spend another $1.4 million Monday, bringing the total project cost to $2.87 million.
Grant contributions include:
—Haywood Tourism Development Authority: $150,000;
—Mountain Credit Union (sponsorship): $125,000;
—Haywood Electric Membership Corporation: $5,000;
—Haywood Health Foundation: $50,000;
—ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act Covid relief money): $500,000;
—PARTF (North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund: $500,000;
—RTP (Recreational Trails Program): $100,000.
Since work won't wrap up until near the year's end, Flagg said she's hoping for an early spring grand opening event.
Commission Vice Chairman Brandon Rogers, who is a member of the county's parks and recreation committee, was delighted with the progress.
"This will be a great asset to the county," said Rogers. "I know a lot of work has been put into it, and you ought to go by and see it. You hear young folks don't have a lot to do here, so this will help, and from events we can hold and bring some dollars into the county, I think it's a great thing. We're all excited to get it going."
