Mountain bike park near UD Arena may get rolling

Dayton residents soon won’t have to hit the road to find some good mountain biking experiences.

The city of Dayton is working to transform Welcome Park near the University of Dayton Arena into a biking playground, likely offering tracks, jumps, loops, a perimeter trail and other skills-training features.

The Dayton City Commission today will decide whether to sell a decommissioned part of the city-owned park to Bonbright Distributors for $135,000 to support the expansion of its operations.

RELATED: Bike park planned near UD Arena 

The sale has larger significance because Bonbright Distributors will help fund transforming the public space into a new outdoor amenity.

“We, of course, are excited to be a financial participant in this project that I believe will become a major recreational attraction for the Dayton community,” said David Treese, vice president of law, logistics and technology with Bonbright Distributors.

The Dayton commission today will vote on whether to sell Bonbright Distributors a portion of Welcome Park for $135,000.

Bonbright wants about 3 acres of the park to support the company’s future expansion.

The city will use the proceeds from the sale to pay to design and build the bike park. Bonbright also will contribute another $115,000 to the project, city staff said.

After receiving payment, the city would sign a contract to design the bike park with its preferred developer, the International Mountain Bicycling Association, said Jon White, city of Dayton planner.

The elements of the park will be determined using feedback from neighbors and other community stakeholders, White said.

The hope is to get the park completed this year, White said.

“This will enhance bike culture in the city, because not only is it a new amenity for the cycling community, but I don’t think there’s anything like it in the immediate area,” White said.

A new bike park in Lebanon, in Warren County, will open on June 2. The park offers bike trails, pump tracks, jump lines, bike skills area, cyclocross course features and perimeter trail.

MORE: Dayton mountain bike park could cost $300k

Welcome Park has seen better days. The roughly 13-acre park has a dilapidated picnic area, aging basketball hoops and a children’s playground.

The new bike park will be designed for all ages and skill levels.

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