Residents propose pump track at Sudden Valley; committee advises seeking county review

Southern Valley Safe Cycling, a group of Sudden Valley homeowners, asked the Long Range Planning Committee on Jan. 29 for permission to explore and develop a dirt "pump track" — a compact bicycle skills course — on Sudden Valley Association land near the pool and pickleball courts.

The presenters said the track would be a small, dirt, nonmotorized loop designed for all skill levels and ages. "We're projecting a budget, around $65,000 to $80,000," a presenter said during the meeting. They also reported raising "over $6,000 in funds within the last six weeks" and said they expect to leverage volunteer labor and in-kind equipment for earth-moving work.

Why it matters: presenters and committee members said a local pump track could provide a confined, family-friendly recreation space that draws riders away from narrow or unsafe trail edges (presenters referenced bicycle traffic around Lake Louise). It could also increase day-use of Sudden Valley's recreation corridor while offering a relatively low-impact amenity if permitting and mitigation requirements are met.

What presenters described: the group proposed a phased, modular approach — building a beginner track first, with later expansion. They showed two placement views and said the preferred site is the grassy area between the pool and pickleball courts because of nearby restrooms, parking and sight lines. They said the site was originally recommended by a former general manager and that they had walked the area with Eric Brown of WNBC to assess feasibility.

Permitting and constraints: committee members repeatedly flagged Whatcom County stream-buffer and stormwater rules as the main permitting obstacle. One participant said measured buffers can be about "150 feet" and others mentioned proposed changes that could extend buffers toward 200 feet; presenters said mitigation and replanting could be part of a permitting pitch. Committee members recommended the presenters obtain the association's permission to consult Whatcom County and county stormwater staff to determine realistic options.

Funding and timeline: presenters proposed a cost-sharing approach and said they would raise roughly half the total if the project landed at the lower end of the estimated range. They described two organizational options for accepting donations and holding funds — incorporating as a 501(c)(3) or operating as a chapter of WNBC under a memorandum of understanding — and said the right structure should follow the association's requirements.

Responses from committee members: members welcomed the idea but emphasized steps the group must take before construction — confirming allowed locations, addressing erosion and buffer constraints, and coordinating with county officials. One committee member recommended the group return with specific backup parcels in case the preferred site is not permitted. Several members praised the group's volunteer capacity and local experience in trail building.

Next steps and committee direction: the committee indicated support for the presenters to pursue county-level information and recommended that the association's board be asked to authorize the presenters to speak with Whatcom County staff about permitting and mitigation options. The committee did not take a formal vote to approve construction; instead it sought board-level authorization to pursue county consultation and follow up planning.

Ending: presenters were advised to return with a refined plan and any additional site options after county consultation. Committee staff said the item will be included in the committee's agenda packet for future review and possible referral to the board.