uman Powered Trails, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is:  “To develop and maintain first class sustainable and environmentally correct, human-powered, shared use trails for the La Crosse, WI region."

Home News The Journal HPT DIRT PARK - New and Improved!
HPT DIRT PARK - New and Improved! PDF Print E-mail
Written by Dan Luebke   
Tuesday, 29 July 2008 23:18
Chapter I - The Past
A few years ago we had an idea to create a challenge/kids area up at HPT.  We went through a lot of work to make it a reality, including getting the area approved through the Hixon Forest Board and the La Crosse Park Board, clearing the area of the wood chips that had been deposited in the area, building obstacles and a short trail etc.

However, despite our work the area never turned into what we had originally wanted it to be... A place that everyone could enjoy from the smallest child just learning to ride, up to an advanced rider looking to improve his or her skills.

Chapter II - The Vision
About a month ago Jed Olson approached the HPT board wondering if we would be interested in building a Dirt Park including a pump track.  Jed presented us with his ideas and showed us some examples of what could be done.  Needless to say, we were very enthused about the idea and impressed with Jed's experience! 

Jed has had a lot of experience building dirt parks in the past, including such places as the world renowned Woodward Camps.  His vision for the Dirt Park is right on track with HPT's ideals of creating a sustainable, environmentally correct place for all users to enjoy.

Over the last month we have gone over many ideas that could be integrated into the new and improved Dirt Park.  Keeping in mind that all of them will be safe and fun for all levels of users... from a small child just learning to ride, up to the most advanced riders.

In case you are wondering... "Just what is a Dirt Park?" the ingredients usually include a variety of dirt jumps, natural obstacles such as rocks and logs, imaginatively constructed features like teeters and ladder bridges - all collected in a small setting. Picture a skateboard park or snowboard park, but designed specifically for mountain bikes.

Chapter III - The Future
Since this is such a large undertaking we have planned out the construction as a number of different "stages" to get something on the ground and open for use as soon as possible.
Stage 1: Dismantle old obstacles (Complete)
Stage 2: Clear Area of weeds (Complete)
Stage 3: Excavate for proper drainage (Complete)
Stage 4: Build Pump Track (In Progress)
Stage 5: Build Intermediate Berms/Jumps
Stage 6: Construct Wood features
Stage 7: Build Advanced Jumps/Berms

Generous contributions from Fowler & Hammer General Contractors have helped us to begin building.  But we still need plenty to make this dream a reality.   Including... sweat equity, lumber, fuel for machines, signs, water, & DIRT!

If you can help us in this endeavor please contact us HERE.  Remember that all contributions to HPT are tax deductible!

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Pump Track Example Videos: (notice that each of these pump tracks are fun and safe for all levels of riders.)
Young Kids riding
Intermediate rider
Advanced rider

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mdotta1976 said:

79
 ...
the Olympic dirt bmx park is pretty cool.
need more dirt. smilies/wink.gif
 
Wed - Aug 20, 08
Votes: +0

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