Bike park celebrates a sign of things to come in South Lake Tahoe
sfoltz@tahoedailytribune.com
South Lake Tahoe Mayor Hal Cole speaks in front of a large crowd at the Bijou Bike Park opening. Cole credited the park as a shinning example of what community-led initiatives can accomplish.
Sebastian Foltz / Tahoe Daily Tribune |
Pete Fink, city parks and recreation commission vice chair, speaks in front of a large crowd during the opening of the Bijou Bike Park, Saturday, Sept. 19. Fink credited the park as a joint effort between the city and the community.
Sebastian Foltz / Tahoe Daily Tribune |
A bike rider airs off a jump feature at Bijou Bike Park last year.
File Photo |
The long-awaited Bijou Bike Park opened to the public Saturday, Sept. 19, as part of the City of South Lake Tahoe's 50th anniversary celebration.
Sebastian Foltz / Tahoe Daily Tribune |
In addition to the expert jump line, the new bike park also includes beginner features appropriate for small children.
Sebastian Foltz / Tahoe Daily Tribune |
A bike rider airs off a jump feature at the Bijou Bike Park, during opening day celebrations, Saturday, Sept. 19.
Sebastian Foltz / Tahoe Daily Tribune |
City officials and local mountain-biking representatives gather for the unveiling of the new Bijou Bike Park sign, as part of the city's 50th anniversary celebration and the park's grand opening.
Sebastian Foltz / Tahoe Daily Tribune |
Volunteers serve free burgers and hot dogs to the city's 50th anniversary attendees.
Sebastian Foltz / Tahoe Daily Tribune |
In addition to the expert jump line, the new bike park also includes beginner features appropriate for small children. Sunday bike clinics will also cater to all abilities.
Sebastian Foltz / Tahoe Daily Tribune |
Community members head toward the South Lake Tahoe 50th anniversary festival, Saturday, Sept. 19. The celebration included the opening of the new Bijou Bike Park.
Sebastian Foltz / Tahoe Daily Tribune |
Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association president Ben Fish displays his original concept drawing for the Bijou Bike Park. Fish was credited as the driving force behind the park's creation.
Sebastian Foltz / Tahoe Daily Tribune |
A volunteer cooks up free burgers and hot dogs at the South Lake Tahoe 50th anniversary celebration, Saturday, Sept. 19.
Sebastian Foltz / Tahoe Daily Tribune |
A bike rider airs off a jump feature at the Bijou Bike Park, during opening day celebrations, Saturday, Sept. 19.
Sebastian Foltz / Tahoe Daily Tribune |
Ted Wendell unveils the new Bijou Bike Park sign at the park's grand opening. The park was dedicated to Wendell's brother, Tom, who passed away in 2013.
Sebastian Foltz / Tahoe Daily Tribune |
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — Presenters at last Saturday’s bike park opening called the park a major accomplishment in the further development of recreation opportunities in South Lake Tahoe. While the project was met with numerous delays between its proposal and construction, it was viewed by many as the first successful collaborative effort between the city and the community in recent memory.
“This is the first project that I’ve had people come to me and say, ‘What can I do to help?’” said Jim Marino, the city’s assistant director of public works, during his speech during the opening.
Pete Fink, the vice chair of the parks and recreation commission, agreed, calling it a big step for the city and community working together to make South Tahoe a better recreation destination. The bike park is a major step in the city’s parks and recreation master plan.
