Whistler, B.C. – the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation has awarded the Whistler BMX Club an additional $14,000 towards the construction of a new community cycling facility in Bayly Park, Cheakamus. The additional money will be used to cover unanticipated costs caused by the weakened Canadian dollar and an increase in trucking costs. Construction is already under way on the site with volunteers working hard to move and shape dirt.
“Brian Finestone and the Whistler BMX Club’s tenacity to get this track built is extraordinary. Countless volunteer hours and perseverance went in to make this dream a reality. The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation was a founding supporter by purchasing the start gate for the club and when we heard that there was a shortfall at the eleventh hour, we were happy to step up to help bring this project to fruition. It will be a great asset and a lasting legacy to our local communities that will benefit many families for years to come”, said Mei McCurdy, Executive Director of the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation.
“The weak Canadian dollar significantly increased our costs due to the fact that our start gate has to be sourced from the U.S.” said Dan Harmon, a volunteer fundraiser for the Whistler BMX Club. “Combined with the incredible support we have had from the Whistler community and previously announced grant funding, the new donation from the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation means we can cover these costs and additional trucking so the track will open this spring.”
The Whistler BMX Club is thankful to local firms for their support so far, including McElhanney Consulting for survey work, Alpine Bike Parks for site layout and Joyride Bike Parks for acting as principal contractor for the build. The club is now calling for volunteers to help with the practical work required to complete construction. Whistler BMX Club Track Director, Brian Finestone said “We could use help in the next week or two from anyone willing to help rake, shape and compact dirt. We’d also love it if there are any carpenters out there willing to help us build a tool shed and a registration shed (two 10’X10’ structures.) It’s time for anyone willing to get their hands dirty to get in contact with us via Facebook or our website.” The club’s email address is: info@whistlerbmx.com
The land, as well as funds for track design, were contributed by the RMOW. The track design funds were from the Province of British Columbia’s Resort Municipality Initiative program. These Resort Municipality Initiative funds will be used to landscape around the track to ensure it is integrated within Bayly Park. BC Hydro and Tree Canada recently donated $6,200 to purchase 40 aspen trees to be planted near the track. Funding for the track has come from a wide range of donors, including Gibbons Whistler, The Spalding Family Foundation with American Friends of Whistler and a prior grant from the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation. Donations from local businesses and individuals plus a number of community fundraising events and a crowdfunding campaign have all contributed to the huge effort put in by a volunteer team.
