Park Site O: Not Just For Bikes

One possible configuration for multi-use trails, avoiding the wetlands near Quaas Creek.

Over the last several weeks I have presented my ideas for bike park features at West Bend’s Park Site O, an undeveloped property that spans nearly 80 acres. The location is a blank canvas and the possibilities for cyclocross, mountain biking and even a pump track are exciting.

The city has neither a plan nor a budget for Park Site O. Nothing will get done without volunteers. To express your support for trail development, please complete this survey from Parks, Recreation & Forestry. On January 21 and again on January 29, you can meet the department’s staff to discuss the future of West Bend’s parks and trails. The meetings will be held 4-7 p.m. at City Hall.

Getting support from different groups of cyclists is essential. Getting support outside of the cycling community is important too. There are several recreation options at Park Site O that have nothing to do with cycling. If you can imagine roughly 2 miles of trails spread over a rolling landscape with no abrupt elevation changes, then you can imagine snowshoeing and cross country skiing. (But don’t imagine groomed snow unless you plan to groom it yourself.) Take away the snow and the park could be an excellent place for trail running and cross country running. By using a combination of turf trails in the spectator-friendly prairie and dirt trails in the woods, one could easily devise a 5,000-meter course … probably not a single, 5,000-meter lap, but still. If you are familiar with the national championship-caliber course at UW-Parkside in Kenosha County, then you should be able to see the potential for something similar at Park Site O. At any time of year, Park Site O could be a good place to enjoy an easy hike or a geocaching adventure.

Please take the city’s survey and attend one or both of the meetings if you can. Tell the city you support trail development. This is a rare and special opportunity, so don’t miss it!