From dirt to dreams

What began as a three-and-a-half-year effort to navigate city approvals and community vision to create the Lincoln Bike Park is now becoming a reality. On Saturday, Aug. 8, the budding facility celebrates its grand opening at Foskett Park, marking the culmination of an intense eight-month construction sprint powered entirely by local volunteers, local businesses and community fundraising. Foskett Park offers a fitness area, walking path and the Lincoln Bike Park. The Bike Park features dedicated areas for a BMX (bicycle motocross) track, Mountain Bike Skills Course, jump line and dirt 'pump' track. It serves as a community-focused space that provides a safe, accessible environment for biking enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. The city of Lincoln donated the land to the specially formed 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation established to manage the site. While dozens of hands have moved earth to make the park a reality, co-owners and project leaders Max Moon, Don Jones and Jake Pebbles have shouldered the primary workload, steering the project from concept to completion. The team spent three years negotiating and planning before dirt finally began moving eight months ago. The grand opening promises to be a high-energy, family-friendly summer celebration, with the opening ceremony at 10 a.m. City officials, the project team, the Lincoln Fire Department, as well as food and beverage trucks will be on hand to celebrate and cut the ribbon. Project officials noted that pedal-assist e-bikes are welcome at the park. E-motorcycles and radio-controlled cars are prohibited to preserve track conditions and ensure rider safety. For more information, visit lincolnbikepark.com to view the full list of local business sponsors, join the Park Crew, and donate to the ongoing Mountain Bike Skills Course project.