Madison, WI – After two years of effort the Saris Foundation is happy to announce the funding of its first bike park in Green Bay, WI. Discussions began when Saris brought the idea to city officials, police departments, parks, and local leaders. Breaking ground on construction of the skills park and trail connector will begin late August. For decades, there has been a decline in the number of American children riding bikes. Saris Foundation plans to change that by funding accessible and inclusive bike parks. This will be the first Saris Bike Park, but it won’t be the last.
The mission of the Saris Foundation is to create bike parks that will build resiliency and self-confidence in youth, improve skills, and provide an adrenaline-inducing cycling experience. This mission in combination with the growing popularity of mountain bike trails and pump track style courses helped to align our partnership on this project and make it a reality.
“We want to focus on getting kids to be active outside and riding their bikes. Our hope is the bike park will provide an awesome, challenging biking haven that keeps them coming back time and time again. Kids especially older kids and teens, struggle with health and emotional well-being. We are dedicated to doing everything we can to help them work through these issues they face by changing the scenery, giving them a place to go to do a fun, physical activity like biking. We are truly honored and excited for the opportunity to support these projects across the country,” says Ann Christianson, Saris Global Advocacy Manager.
“To achieve this comprehensive course design, Baird Creek Preservation Foundation has hired the most talented skills park builder in the nation, Jeremy Witek of Global Action Sports Solutions (GASS). GASS will use top-of-the-line building techniques to create a showpiece bike park that is sure to challenge and entice riders no matter their skill level,” says Holly Baseman, Executive Director of BCPF.
Not only will these bike parks give kids a safe place to ride, but they will also be holistic in nature offering programing, and in some cases equipment.
“The Wisconsin Bike Fed will also be partnering on the project to help run training camps teaching youth how to ride and then build upon those skills. As well as give youth a community gathering place, positive experiences and challenge them so they get to see what they are capable of, which will spill over into everyday life,” says Michelle Bachaus, Community Engagement Manager of the Wisconsin Bike Fed.
Saris Bike Parks aim to serve the underserved and ensure equal access to all the park has to offer. Saris Bike Parks will feature world-class facilities, be accessible by safe bike routes, and be part of an integrated bicycle network, eliminating barriers to entry for those in need. For more information, please visit https://www.saris.com/advocacy/bike-parks-for-kids.
