By Jessica Ommen

Holliston could soon add a new outdoor recreation destination — a community bike park designed to bring riders of all ages and abilities together just steps from the town’s popular Charles River Rail Trail.

Town officials and local advocates are working to develop the park on a town-owned parcel at 260 Woodland Street, across from Robert Adams Middle School and connected directly to the Rail Trail. The proposal recently received support from the Holliston Select Board and the Community Preservation Committee, a key step toward moving the long-discussed project forward.

If approved and funded, the bike park would include features such as a pump track, skills areas, jump lines and other terrain designed to help riders build bike-handling skills in a safe, purpose-built environment.

“We have an incredible system of sports fields, hiking trails and, of course, our Rail Trail,” said Mark Frank, Holliston’s Director of Recreation. “The bike park would be a perfect addition. And like the other activities we offer in town, it would serve both kids and adults.”

While the Charles River Rail Trail is a well-used multi-use path shared by walkers, runners, dog walkers and cyclists, the proposed bike park would offer a more specialized experience focused specifically on biking.

Bike parks typically include sculpted terrain such as pump tracks, berms, jumps and flow trails that allow riders to gradually develop their skills.

“Purpose-built bike parks create a controlled environment where beginners can learn and grow, while experienced riders can challenge themselves in a safe, community setting,” said Mike Carvalho, a Holliston resident who has helped lead the project.

Organizers are working with Avid Trails, a planning, design and construction firm that has specialized in bike parks and trail systems for more than a decade. Early design concepts presented at local meetings suggest the park would include features suitable for both beginners and advanced riders.

“There will be a skills loop, like a hybrid walking trail that goes around the circumference of the park that will be good for younger riders and adaptive riders,” said Carvalho. “He said the park would remain family-friendly, making the turns less sloped so families, kids, and adaptive riders are safer.

In addition to the Select Board, both the School Committee and the Parks and Recreation Department have expressed interest in the proposal.

Regional trail advocacy group the New England Mountain Biking Association (NEMBA) has offered expertise in trail construction and maintenance. Volunteers from the organization could assist with building and upkeep, though the park would ultimately be managed by the town.

“The goal is to create a space that becomes part of the Holliston experience and builds on what already makes our town great, including the Rail Trail,” said Georganna Woods, president of Friends of Holliston Trails.

Friends of Holliston Trails is among the groups helping promote the project and raise funds for its construction.

Much of the funding could come from Community Preservation Act funds as well as state and federal grants. Similar projects in Massachusetts have received support through programs offered by MassDOT and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Local fundraising will likely cover the remaining costs, including a $10,000 matching grant pledged by Friends of Holliston Trails.

Last October, the town voted to approve funding for conceptual designs of the park, and, in March, the Community Preservation Committee unanimously approved $650,000 for construction. However, those funds are contingent upon approval at the Holliston’s Annual Town Meeting on May 11. A detailed proposal is also expected to be presented at the meeting. 

Supporters of the project say the park could help boost Holliston’s economic development by drawing riders from neighboring communities, while giving residents — especially young riders — a place to stay active and build skills.

“If all goes well,” Carvalho said, “we hope to open the park in September, just in time for back to school.”

For more information, or to donate: visit www.hollistonbikepark.org.

Shown is the area being considered for a bike park in Holliston. Images used courtesy of Holliston Bike Park