Atlanta breaks ground on first phase of new bike park
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A rendering of the future bike park at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park. Photo: Courtesy of Atlanta Beltline
Shirley Clarke Franklin Park will soon be home to Atlanta's first-ever bike park.
Driving the news: Atlanta Beltline and city officials broke ground last week on phase one of the project at the location formerly known as Westside Park.
Zoom in: The first phase of the bike park project includes an asphalt pump track, which aims to give both beginners and experienced bicyclists a chance to "build momentum, balance and agility through berms and rollers without pedaling," the Atlanta Beltline said last week in a press release.
- Both road and mountain bikes will be allowed on the track.
- The phase also includes a bike playground that features balance beams, small rollers and gentle turns to help younger and beginner riders build their skills.
- For bikers who want to fine-tune their abilities, the skills course will have "narrow bridges, rock gardens and tight switchbacks that simulate real trail conditions, helping riders at every level progress their abilities," the Beltline said.
What they're saying: Atlanta Beltline CEO and president Clyde Higgs said the bike park will be "another gem in the emerald necklace," the nickname often given to the 22-mile path that will loop around the city.
- "When families on Atlanta's westside and across the city see this park open in their backyard, they'll see an investment that is real, lasting, and will impact their long-term health and wellness," he said.
What's next: Once funding is secured, phase two of the project — construction of mountain bike trails — will begin.
- That calls for building 0.37 miles of beginner trails, 0.67 miles of intermediate/expert gravity trails, 1.19 miles of intermediate bidirectional trails and 0.75 miles of hiking trails.