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Los Alamos bike‑park advocates press council to expand North Mesa plan to five acres
Summary
Bike‑park volunteers and local coaches told the County Council that Site Southwest's draft North Mesa plan includes a bike park but reserves only about 3 acres; they urged a 5‑acre, fully featured facility to support youth programming and grant matches. Equestrians urged design changes to avoid conflicts and raised safety and surface concerns.
Advocates for a Los Alamos bike park urged the County Council on Oct. 7 to expand a proposed North Mesa bike‑park site from roughly 3 acres to a full 5‑acre facility, saying a larger footprint is needed to support a pump track, progression features and youth programming.
The plea came during a presentation by members of the bike‑park working group. Kyle Dickman, a founder of the Tough Tikes youth program, and Nathan Mayer, a local trail builder, said the county‑commissioned Site Southwest master plan included a bike park but allocated about 3 acres rather than the 5 acres community riders consider optimal. "We have 150 student athletes, more than 100 families in our youth programs and a growing base of riders," Dickman said, arguing larger facilities help introduce beginners and retain riders long term.
The presenters provided cost estimates and funding options. They said a full, paved 5‑acre bike park with intermediate and advanced features could cost roughly $500,000–$800,000. They highlighted potential matching sources, including IMBA grants (matching up to $30,000) and a state trail‑accelerator program that offers $100,000–$1,000,000 awards with match options.
Councilors and public commenters raised recurring concerns: impacts on adjacent equestrian uses, parking and circulation, and preserving natural habitat flagged in public workshops. Councilor Reedy asked whether the Site Southwest iteration was limited to 3 acres; the presenters confirmed the latest designs show a 3‑acre footprint but urged the county to pursue expansion. Equine representatives, including Lisa Reeder of the Stable Owners Association, said co‑location raises design and safety questions and asked that equestrian users remain closely involved in site and surface choices.
Proponents said they had surveyed residents: 272 respondents with 89% support, and more than half of respondents were non‑bikers. They also described community organizing and volunteer capacity, offering to pursue grant applications with county support. "We have the volunteers and the grant opportunities — we just need land and county commitment," the working group said.
Councilors and staff indicated further work is likely: final master‑plan decisions will return through the Park Board process and budget prioritization. The council did not take an immediate formal vote on siting or funding during the Oct. 7 meeting.
