Winona Lake Bike Park project set to begin construction this fall
This post was provided by News Now Warsaw
News Release
WINONA LAKE — Kosciusko County Velo (Better known as KCV), is shifting gears and moving into another fundraising goal after the organization paid off its mortgage for land that will be home to its future bike park.
The non-profit group announced on Tuesday night that it had paid off its mortgage and is starting a new round of fundraising for the future park along Piecerton Road on vacant land that is adjacent to the Winona Lake Mountain Bike Trail.
Amenities will feature a pump track, skills zone, bike playground, jump lines, and more.
Other aspects will include parking, a clubhouse with restrooms, and the opportunity for
expansion of the Heritage Trail Greenway to neighborhoods southeast of the park.
In 2021, KCV Cycling acquired 15 acres with the vision to build a comprehensive bike park for all ages that includes event space for Fat & Skinny Tire Fest and the Winona Lake Trail Fest.
Initial fundraising efforts have relied on personal donations, trail events, and grants from the Grace College Catalyst Corridor Initiative.
Other key supporters have included the Kosciusko County
Convention, Recreation and Visitors Commission (KCCRVC), and K21 Health Foundation.
KCV Cycling is now launching phase 2 and 3 with a combined goal of collecting $4.9 million.
A news release from the group said $1.7 million will be used for site preparation, gravel parking lot, bike playground, skills park, dual slalom, progressive jump lines and more.
Another $1.5 million will involve construction of a paved pumptrack, clubhouse and additional amenities, beginning once Phase 2 is complete.
“We’re excited to complete Phase 1 fundraising for the Winona Lake Bike Park,” said Mike Cusick, KCV Cycling President. “We’ve now paid off our mortgage and completed the initial design of the park. We are going to start building the bike park this fall while we continue to fundraise for the next two phases.”
The upcoming fundraising already includes $1 million in grant money from the Grace College Catalyst Corridor Initiative, the news release said.
Site preparation will start this fall and construction will continue through 2026, the news release said.
“The Winona Lake Bike Park is a great addition to our community and region,” Rich Haddad, President & CEO, K21 Health Foundation. “It adds to the popular Winona Lake Bike Trails and connects to our greenways and neighborhoods. This not only provides additional healthy activities for our residents and will be a world-class place to introduce and develop the next generation of bike lovers.”
KCV Cycling is currently seeking donations, grants, and sponsorships.
For more information on donating, visit kcvcycling.networkforgood.com or contact leaders at info@kcvcycling.org.
KCV is a volunteer-run, nonprofit focused on making Kosciusko County a great place to live, work, play and visit through bicycling. Going on its 22nd year, KCV hosts the popular Fat & Skinny Tire Festival, organizes additional events and riding opportunities for the public, educates elementary school students through the Tracey’s Trailer Bike Education Program, and maintains the off-road trails in Winona Lake
The post Winona Lake Bike Park project set to begin construction this fall appeared first on News Now Warsaw.
