Exciting Developments for Atlanta’s Cycling Community
Atlanta is buzzing with excitement as the cycling community gears up for a “game-changing” municipal bike park! Thanks to a generous $8 million donation from the Chestnut Family Foundation, Atlanta Beltline, Inc. is ready to make this dream a reality. This park promises to be the first of its kind in the city—offering exhilarating trails and obstacles suitable for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. Both mountain bikers and leisurely riders will find something to enjoy!
What’s in Store for the Park?
When finished, the bike park will feature a whopping 2.25 miles of mountain bike trails and an asphalt track designed for numerous wheeled sports. Imagine races and smooth rides along well-structured paths! There will also be a skills course to help improve biking techniques, a playground for the younger ones, and additional offerings to cater to everyone.
This project is now moving full steam ahead into its first phase of construction, but it still requires a bit more funding to reach its ultimate goals. Currently, there’s a remaining $6 million funding gap that needs to be bridged, which will influence the scope of the initial construction phase, according to city officials.
A Park for Everyone
The vision for the park emphasizes inclusivity, with attractions tailored to all skill levels. For those just starting out, trails designed for beginners and intermediate riders will feature various fun elements like berms, bridges, boardwalks, switchback turns, and rollers. For the more adventurous cyclists, a “gravity trail” is in the works, featuring larger rocks and steep drop-offs.
But it doesn’t stop there! A bike playground with balance beams and small rollers will act as a low-risk training ground, which will be perfect for beginners learning their balance. Plus, the asphalt pump track will ensure that all wheeled sports enthusiasts can find their groove with its unique terrain.
Commitment to Health and Sustainability
This bike park aligns beautifully with the Atlanta Beltline’s mission of providing equitable recreational opportunities and promoting healthy lifestyles for all residents. Clyde Higgs, the President and CEO of Beltline, Inc., called the bike park a crucial component of Atlanta’s mission for inclusivity. He expressed enthusiasm about its potential impact on the Westside, stating it could be a “premier biking destination” and a future “world-class facility”.
The park is perfectly located within an area currently undergoing redevelopment driven by organizations such as the Westside Future Fund and a city-wide initiative to tackle blight, led by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
Community Support and Future Funding
Local organizations are cheering this initiative. Brett Davidson, Executive Director of MTB Atlanta—part of the Southern Road Bicycle Association—highlighted that Westside Park is the “ideal location” for such a landmark project due to its accessibility and forested landscape. This park is set to become a vital hub for learning and community engagement surrounding cycling.
While the Chestnut Family Foundation’s contribution is transformational, it isn’t the end of fundraising efforts for this project. The Beltline is actively seeking more philanthropic support to cover the remaining costs, ensuring that the vision for this all-ages bike park continues to progress.
A Personal Commitment
The Chestnut Family Foundation was founded by Ben Chestnut, the CEO of MailChimp, and his wife, Teresa. Their mission focuses on improving children’s lives, and this bike park project perfectly aligns with their goals. Ben Chestnut, an avid cyclist himself, expressed his delight in supporting a venture that encourages more people to enjoy the outdoors and embrace biking—especially those from communities that haven’t had access to such trails before.
As the planning and construction move forward, the future looks bright for Atlanta’s cycling community. There’s so much to look forward to as this park promises to bring joy, activity, and a sense of community right to the heart of the city!
