Calgary mountain bikers seek to save park area

A plan to redesign a huge park on Calgary's western edge is sparking concern from those who love it the way it is.

A group of mountain bike enthusiasts were out riding on Medicine Hill this week in an attempt to preserve the special area for other cyclists.

“A lot of us are concerned because the area has a deep history of mountain biking,” said the organizer for the mountain bike rally Joe Obad.

“It would be super sad to lose as a biking area.”

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The City of Calgary is in Phase 1 of its engagement process for the Medicine Hill/Paskapoo Slopes Regional Park Master Plan.

According to the project’s website, it will provide an opportunity to protect land with cultural, archaeological and ecological significance, while creating a regional park that shapes a landscape of connection and education for all who visit.

The city also points to the area’s significance for local Indigenous nations.

Obad and other mountain bikers worry since the pillars for the redevelopment project include “nature, culture, education and together.”

“Recreation isn’t included as one of the pillars of values for the area,” said Obad.

“We want to make sure that mountain biking continues to take place at Medicine Hill.”

The next public engagement date is set for July 19 at Medicine Hill Regional Park, near Cougar Ridge Pond.

Phase 2 public engagement which will gather feedback on the early concept designs beginning in the fall of 2025.

The city anticipates its master plan to be complete in 2026.

In a statement, the city said it has no plans to take away the biking area.

“The purpose of the Medicine Hill/Paskapoo Slopes Regional Park Master Plan is to create a blueprint for a future park area and aims to maintain and preserve the natural space so it can be used by park users for years to come,” it said. “Park user experience and low-impact recreation activities such as walking, cycling, nature observation, and quiet reflection, are included in the project’s “Together” pillar."