The City of Burlington celebrated the completion of Phase 1 of the Burlington Bike Park on Saturday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community event at Leddy Park in the city’s New North End.

The project—led by Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront (BPRW) in partnership with the Burlington Bike Park Coalition (BBPC) and Fellowship of the Wheel (FOTW)—marks the city’s first dedicated mountain biking facility.

Funded in part by a grant from the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC), Phase 1 includes about a half mile of adaptive mountain bike (aMTB) trails, beginner-friendly jump lines, and flow trails designed to help riders of all ages and abilities learn and practice skills.

“As the City’s first and only dedicated mountain biking trails, the Burlington Bike Park will be a valuable community resource,” said Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak. “It provides a place for youth to connect, stay active, and enjoy unstructured outdoor recreation without needing to drive out of the city.”

Jackie Dagger, VOREC program manager, said the park shows “how communities can strengthen local economies and quality of life through outdoor recreation.”

The new trails are accessible from the Burlington Greenway and are open to mountain bikes, including Class 1 e-bikes and adaptive bikes. Dirt bikes, RC cars, hiking, and dog walking are not permitted within the park.

BBPC’s Sean Melinn said community enthusiasm has been essential: “Seeing kids and adult-kids enjoying the space is extremely gratifying.”

Organizers plan additional phases with more advanced trails, a paved pump track, and expanded features. Donations and memberships to support the next phase can be made through Fellowship of the Wheel or the Burlington Bike Park Coalition.