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ELKINS - A total of $485,000 has been earmarked for the design and construction of a bike skills area in Glendale Park.
Gov. Jim Justice announced the award to the Elkins Parks and Recreation Commission (EPRC) last week.
"We are so grateful for the governor's recognition of the value of this project," saidJessica Sutton, President of Elkins Area Shared Trails (EAST). "This is exactly the kind of leadership and support that is needed to help West Virginia take full advantage of its outdoor economic development potential."
The Glendale Park bike skills area is among several local projects led by EAST, a collaborative initiative focused on improving access and enjoyment of local trail systems, in partnership with the WVU Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC).
"We know that accessible recreation opportunities are a key factor in making a community even more attractive to visitors and new residents, while improving quality of life for those who already make Elkins their home," Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco said.
"This project is a great example of how we can use effective partnerships to take recreation in Elkins to the next level and tell the story of what a great place this city is to live, work, and raise a family."
The Glendale Park project in Elkins was one of 61 recreational trails and trail-related facilities projects that Justice said will receive funding under West Virginia's Transportation Alternatives (TA) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP). These programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. Program funds are awarded by the governor and administered by the state Division of Highways.
The Elkins' Parks and Recreation Commission intends to use the funds for the design and installation of a 2,500 square foot tot track, a 10,000 square foot beginner pump track, and a beginner skills area in Glendale Park.
Those structures were specifically chosen to encourage the bike-curious to explore the sport and develop the skills and confidence to take on harder and larger challenges. The skills area's features will help new riders improve fitness and increase their interest in spending time outdoors and being physically active, officials said. Several of the features will also be attractive for scooters, in-line and roller skates, and skateboard users of all ages.
The new facility will be built in the heart of Glendale Park, which sees year-round activity thanks to youth sports practices and competitions, with parents socializing or exercising on the perimeter trail and siblings playing to wait out the practice hour. The park already has crucial trailhead facilities, including parking, restrooms, water and playgrounds.
The Glendale Park bike skills area is part of a larger long-term planning effort involving several partners. EAST approached EPRC in 2023 with a request to first include the Glendale property in the organization's Trail Master Plan, and then later to serve as the sponsor organization for the RTP application.
The funding of the bike skills area project moves two of the four phases of the Trail Master Plan into construction, with anticipated completion dates in 2025.
EAST, a collaborative focused on improving access and enjoyment of local trail systems, works with the WVU Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) for technical assistance in grant application and project management. The OEDC is also the umbrella organization for the Ascend WV program, which to date has attracted around 25 people to the Elkins area by highlighting local natural beauty, recreational assets and strong sense of community.
"EAST, OEDC and local and state leadership all recognized the value of outdoor recreation, which is good for both the physical and economic health of a community," Sutton said. "What's really impressive about this project is the way it is helping strengthen the community itself, by bringing so many partners together for the common good."