SJC and Farmington Area Single Track celebrated the opening of the new SJC Bike Park Pump Track, funded by a voter-approved bond, promoting outdoor recreation and community health.
A Milestone for Outdoor Recreation: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
On Thursday, May 30, San Juan College (SJC), in collaboration with Farmington Area Single Track (F.A.S.T.), local community members, city and county officials, and the Farmington Chamber of Commerce, celebrated the grand opening of the new SJC Bike Park Pump Track.
A Vision Realized: The SJC Bike Park Pump Track
The pump track is a significant addition to the SJC Bike Park, located on 160 acres of college-owned land just south of the main campus. This project was funded by voter-approved allocations from the November 2022 SJC Local General Obligation Bond election.
"We cannot thank our community enough for their support," expressed SJC President Dr. Toni Hopper Pendergrass. "We are thrilled with the opportunities it brings, especially for our families, youth, and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as the visitors it will attract to our community." Additionally, the funding will be used to build on-site restrooms in the future.
From Vision to Reality: The Journey of the Bike Park
San Juan College Executive Vice President Ed DesPlas recounted the project's beginnings on July 29, 2020, when F.A.S.T. first proposed the idea of a hiking and mountain biking park designated for non-motorized vehicle use. Over the next three years, F.A.S.T. made continuous improvements, culminating in a park that now boasts miles of single-track biking and hiking trails with features like drops, dirt jumps, rollers, tunnels, a teeter-totter, and the new pump track.
"The partnership with San Juan College and other community members has been crucial and resulted in this amazing asset we celebrate today," said F.A.S.T. president Chris Conley. San Juan County Commissioner and SJC Board of Trustee GloJean Todacheene echoed this sentiment, stating, "I’m so proud to see all of our community partners come together to create outdoor recreational opportunities for all ages and interests."
An Exciting New Playground: The Design and Construction
Designed and constructed by Velosolutions and American Ramp Company, the pump track is a high-performance playground for bikers, skateboarders, and scooter riders of all skill levels, catering to both recreational and competitive users. Chris Harrelson, director of the SJC physical plant, praised the build team: "The science involved in the building is complex, and the artistic aspect of the team is crucial to the success of creating a great track." He noted the team's engagement with the community, taking time to speak with riders of all ages about the track and its future fun.
Building Skills and Community: F.A.S.T.'s Biking Classes
Highlighting the importance of the pump track and other outdoor recreational activities, F.A.S.T. held its first eight-week session of biking classes for youth ages 2-15 in the spring of 2022, starting with 38 children. The most recent session had 159 children, and F.A.S.T. has recently introduced classes for adults. Volunteers, especially coaches to lead the bike classes, are in high demand. Conley emphasized, "The main goal of the coaches is to ensure children have a safe and fun experience while building friendships and bike riding skills."
A Community United: Celebrating the Future
Farmington Mayor Nate Duckett expressed his gratitude to the community and everyone involved in the outdoor recreation industry at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "We are going to have a world-class outdoor recreation community, and we are going to keep growing. Let’s ride!"
Visit the San Juan College Bike Park and Pump Track
The San Juan College Bike Park and Pump Track are located south of the main SJC campus, next to Mesa Verde Elementary School. This new facility stands as a testament to the community's dedication to promoting outdoor activities and fostering a vibrant, healthy lifestyle
