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Baker Loves Bikes seeks permission to convert Samwell-area basketball court to bike park; council signals support
Summary
Lucas Brown and Baker Loves Bikes presented a plan to build a one-acre bike park near Samwell Swim and the state park, asking to remove an existing basketball court; council members and parks staff voiced support and discussed insurance, maintenance and site history but did not record a formal ordinance or binding vote.
Lucas Brown, a Baker City resident, told the council on June 10 that Baker Loves Bikes has identified a roughly one-acre site adjacent to Samwell Swim and the state park for a community bike park and asked the city to allow removal of an on-site basketball court to make room for the track.
Brown said the group has secured permission from Oregon Department of Transportation property owners to use the land and has discussed the project with city parks staff. Parks Supervisor Jess Murphy (present in the meeting record) told the council she is familiar with the project and that the parks department is engaged. Brown said project costs would be borne by Baker Loves Bikes through grants, fundraising and maintenance fees, and the city would not be asked to cover construction costs.
Council members and staff discussed liability and insurance. Councilors and staff explained that Oregon’s recreational immunity may limit the city’s liability where no city negligence is alleged, but that the city would likely remain responsible for ensuring no ordinary negligence (such as failure to maintain the site) would create exposure. City staff said they expect to work with Baker Loves Bikes on signage (“use at your own risk”) and a maintenance agreement. Brown said prior features existed in the area (a bike track in the 1980s) and that the proposed park would revive a use that residents—especially children and teens—have responded to positively at recent community bike events.
Council members asked about alternative local uses and whether removing the basketball court would affect neighborhood play; councilors noted nearby outdoor hoops at churches and the middle school and said the court in question has low current usage. Brown said the basketball court was cracked and historically used for ice skating; the group argued the bike park would better serve current recreational demand. Parks staff noted they would work on a disclaimer board and liability language with city legal counsel.
Council members expressed support for Baker Loves Bikes to proceed with the project and asked staff to continue coordination; no formal ordinance or binding land-use approval was adopted at the June 10 meeting. Staff and the group discussed next steps including finalizing insurance/maintenance language, confirming site control and preparing any required permitting with the city.
