Shamrock Park is ready for riders, and Sunday is a chance
for new riders to learn what they’ll need to take advantage of the new mountain
bike trails in the park.
The mountain bike trails, Lucky Charms – a volunteer
constructed beginners’ trail, and Shenanigans – the intermediate-level trail
built by contractor Stream Environmental, are open for riders. Maps of the
trails are posted at the park and are also available at the City’s website,
saintjohn.ca/bike.
The trails were designed by the Glenn Group. An
advanced-level trail is planned for future construction, as is a pump track,
which will allow riders to improve their skills to take on the higher level
trails.
“Saint John is becoming a place for mountain biking,”
explains Mike Hugenholtz, Operations Manager – Facilities for Leisure Services
and project manager for the bike trails. “Being able to put trails inside an
urban park like Shamrock Park increases access to a great recreational activity
for the people of Saint John.”
The mountain bike trails at Shamrock Park turn a neglected
wooded area of the park from a dumpsite into an asset for the community. Some
of the clean-up was done by City workers and contractors, but other clean-up
was taken on by volunteers from the Saint John Cycling Club and Active
Transport Saint John. In all, the trail building and clean up cost $146,000.
Representatives from local bike shops, the Saint John
Cycling Club and Active Transport Saint John will be on hand Sunday from 1 to 3
p.m. to give tours and provide information on proper techniques and safety
equipment for using the mountain bike trails. Join us at the trail head in the
parking lot on Spar Cove Road Sunday afternoon.
For more information, please call Leisure Services at
658-2908 or visit saintjohn.ca/bike.