A grand opening of the new SAMBA-built bicycle playground at Coleman Memorial Park will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, from 12 p.m. to 2p.m.
Read More: SAMBA begins construction on bike track in Coleman Memorial Park
City of Lebanon Mayor Sherry Capello announced details of the event which will feature speakers, bike demonstrations, and free helmets to the first 50 children who need them.
A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at noon.
Masks will be required when social distancing cannot be maintained.
According to the release, the playground will consist of three separate tracks:
- Balance track for toddlers on balance bikes.
- Pump track for developing bike handling skills.
- Jump track for more advanced riders.
“The bicycle playground at Coleman Memorial Park is unique since it is constructed from dirt, rather than concrete or pavement,” said SAMBA President Nick Loftus in the release. “(It) is the biggest and best facility of this type in the region.”
Loftus said the combination of three tracks will offer something for the whole family and keep riders returning.
The bike playground can be reached by heading about 3/4 of the way around the park’s loop. It is located near the tennis courts.
The bike playground was supported by the following organizations: SAMBA, Tour de Lebanon Valley, Laurie & Dave Funk, Benchmark Construction, Community Health Council, REACH & Penn State Children’s Hospital, Leed’s Cyclery, Lebanon Valley Bicycle Coalition, Lebanon Valley Conservancy, Lancaster Bicycle Club, Maguire’s Ford, Safe Kids of Dauphin County, Umbergers of Fontana, and Coleman Memorial Park Board of Trustees.
“There is renewed interest in biking nationwide due to COVID and we hope that while facilities are under limitations, we can. get more kids outside and promote healthy activities like riding a bike,” said Nikki Mauer, Community Health Council Executive Director.
Mayor Capello said that when SAMBA and Community Health Council presented a plan to design and build the facility with barely any cost to the City, she knew she had to jump – “Who wouldn’t say yes to that offer?”
For more information, check out the event for the grand opening on Facebook.
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