News release

For immediate release

Youth Bike Skills Park opens in time for summer

Saanich, BC – The new Tripp Station Youth Bike Skills Park in Saanich will open July 16 just in time for users to enjoy it this summer season.

“I am so thrilled to see this long-awaited youth bike skills park is now a fantastic addition to Saanich’s parks system,” said Mayor Fred Haynes. “It gives youth a fun way to challenge themselves, to socialize with friends and family and to stay healthy and active. Outdoor recreation, specifically a youth park, is a major component of our Youth Development Strategy.”

Bike parks are an area designed for mountain bike and BMX riders to develop and practice riding skills in a structured, safe and managed environment. Riders of all levels and experience can develop expertise in a range of skills at the new bike park. Features include an asphalt pump track, dirt jumps and a skills trail. The park is adjacent to the Lochside Trail and easily accessible by bike.

"The Tripp Youth Park is going to be a great new addition to urban bike parks in Greater Victoria,” said South Island Mountain Bike Society Director of Advocacy Yvonne Mendel. "We hope that children and youth will find the bike park to be an exciting new amenity."  

Additional improvements include a gravel pathway from the main entrance of the park off Lochside Drive adjacent to the Lochside Regional Trail connecting to Borden Street, park furniture, bike racks, a drinking fountain, signs and a portable toilet.

Saanich leased the one-acre portion of the land at the George Tripp Hydro Substation from BC Hydro in 2019 to develop the park. This partnership provided a unique opportunity to create a youth bike skills park without the need to purchase or use existing park space elsewhere in the community.

Grand opening event

An official grand opening and ribbon cutting event will be held July 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the new bike skills park. Stop by to be one of the first to try the new Powerline Pump Track, dirt jumps or the skills trails.

Getting there

The youth bike skills park is located beside the George Tripp Hydro Substation at 4050 Lochside Drive north of McKenzie Avenue. A small parking lot is available, but Saanich encourages everyone to access the park by bike via the Lochside Regional Trail.

Learn more

Find more information about the project at saanich.ca/parks under Park Projects.

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Media contact:
Paul de Greeff
Manager of Park Planning and Development
paul.degreeff@saanich.ca
250-475-5522