City Parks hosted an outdoor Public Meeting last night to explain the safety and environment issues of the current BMX Bike Course. Carolyn Hope, Senior Parks Planner and Theresa Kluver, Parks Operation Supervisor, were there just as much to listen and learn as talk. For technical support, Parks invited John Lang, Executive Director of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance.
The Mayor personally initiated this meeting after consulting with city staff. Turnout and participation was "huge". Approximately 70 residents and youth attended. 95%+ of the parents and youth in attendance spoke favorably about the value of the location and sport. Many offered excellent recommendations i.e. tool storage, more dirt to build safer jumps and cover exposed roots, use cell phones more to call the city for help, community service, different courses for different skill levels, assigning "captains" to carry the city message, using dirt bike stewards to monitor the course, and get safety support from Performance Bicycle in Overlake. Come back soon for more stories, pictures and clips!
video clip: young BMX'ers talk on tools
video clip: parent talk on safety (one lady speaking has not kids)
Do you have any comments?
Hi Bob, thanks for your great photos and participation in the meeting. i thought the community input was great. very constructive. in the end, i think there was a good recognition for all the considerations: location, risk mgmt, quality of dirt jumps, environment, stewardship, community involvement. im looking forward to the next steps in the process.
ReplyDeletethanks
john
John Lang
Executive Director
Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance
(206) 524-2900
Sustainable Trails. Rider Powered. (Formerly BBTC)
Become a member or renew your membership today!
www.evergreenMTB.org