Rocky Mountain House opens $1.8M Co-operative Bike Park
About 100 people turned out in the rain for the Sept. 26 grand opening, with local kids testing the new track on giveaway bikes.
Rocky Mountain House celebrated the grand opening of its new $1.8-million Co-operative Bike Park on Sept. 26, drawing around 100 attendees despite rainy weather. Dozens of local children tried the track for the first time, some on new bikes given away during the event.
Planning began in 2022 and was driven by grassroots fundraising from the Rocky Bike Park Society, along with local business support. Contributions included $50,000 from TC Energy, backing from the Helen Hunley Memorial Foundation, partnerships with Rocky Credit Union and Evergreen Co-op, and a $684,000 grant from the Alberta government's Active Communities Initiative in spring 2025.
Society president Rachel McAdam said the park, the only Velosolutions Race Circuit-certified track in central Alberta, could help attract national-level competitions and boost sports tourism. She noted nearby courses at Baseline and Black Mountain could help the West Country become a hub for competitive cycling, while also giving young riders a place to train closer to home.
Rocky Mountain House Mayor Shane Boniface called the park a lasting addition to the community, crediting organizers and past town councils for their support. McAdam said the idea originated in early 2021 and gained quick traction after a Facebook group she created drew more than 600 members within 48 hours. The site was previously home to a dog park and a CNRL wellhead before construction.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.