Bike Skills Area at Upper Luther Burbank Park

It felt great to be digging at Upper Luther Burbank BMX Park last Saturday with Earth Corp again. The space is looking great. We firmed up the BMX boundaries, checked in on the new growth of over over 200 plants and covered them with nutrient filled bark mulch. The team cut some brush back, removed English Ivy and Himalayan Blackberry. Looking forward to next steps of adding kids, bikes and fun times all in due course! Such a rewarding program for all of the Mercer Island community!

Sharing the comments provided in the April 26th Park Commision special meeting.

Hello I’m Brian Shiers, a resident of Mercer Island. I’m making an appearance this afternoon to ask the parks commission to support the re-opening of the bike skills area in Upper Luther Burbank park as quickly as feasible.

The bike skills area is defined in the Luther Burbank park master plan and should remain available for use by our community. The temporary closure was targeted to address and mitigate specific issues. The proposal prepared by Action Sport Design addresses those concerns and modernizes the operation of the bike skills area to be a defined set of bike skills features which is the common method in nearly all bike areas in the region. Adopting at least parts of this proposal will mitigate the concerns of the closure and establish a baseline for a safe and cost-effective solution. The plan calls for developing dedicated lines with building methods that extend the durability with improved soil and will minimize future costs of operating the bike skills area.

The closure of the area has directly impacted my family, including two middle school children who were frequent users of the space and created a void for on island activities. Unfortunately they aren’t able to join this afternoon’s session as they attending a track meet. My kids valued the space not only for biking, but also the hive for their community. Having a safe space for kids to be active outdoors is a great value for our community and promotes children’s well-being.

I see the positive impact that active time outdoors provides firsthand with my own middle school kids and also with the riders I coach in the Mercer Island Mountain Bike team. Having this small skills area serves our local youth, giving them the opportunity to engage in healthy activities without the need for extended travel. It is not always practical to leave the island and enabling on island activities minimizes the environmental impacts by reducing off island trips.

The bike team and broader mountain bike advocates organization look forward to assisting in maintenance of the bike skills areas and other trails on Mercer Island. I hope our upcoming team trail work event on May 5th in Pioneer Park is the first of many opportunities for us to work together.

Thank you parks commission for your service to the community and your time to consider my comments today.

So, I guess the message from our City and Parks Dept is that it's better to ask for forgiveness (which hasn't been done either) instead of permission. Tens of thousands of dollars being spent at a site that is admittedly damaged by the riders that are being given another 3 years to use it, unsupervised. Great plan. I guess that's why so many people think all Islanders are rich. We just spend money without thorough research so that a disproportionately small group feels better. Gee whiz. What's next?!

My family is in complete support of the Bike Skills Area at Luther Burbank Park. The Bike Skills Park was in existence prior to this park area being turned over to the City of Mercer Island. Luther Burbank Park should serve the entire city and have something for everyone to enjoy. Activities for youth on Mercer Island are lacking and this area provides a wonderful outdoor area for many of our youth to enjoy.

https://www.change.org/p/save-mercer-island-mountain-bike-jumps

We need to acknowledge that students' mental health has been decreasing recently due to increased pressure and stress due to COVID. The bike park creates an opportunity for students to have a positive outlet.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/helping-students-cope-with-the-pressure-to-succeed/

The bike skills park has been around for at least 25 years and provided a wonderful outlet and experience for my three sons and their friends 20 plus years ago. During Covid when schools were locked down and most organized activities for kids were shut down, the park was one of the few outlets left open for them to play outside. Yes, usage went up and the kids expanded it because more kids used it.
The proposed alternative replacing the BSA with hiring a bus to take a few kids to Redmond to do mountain biking several times a week undermines the value of the BSA: it is always available and doesn't require an organization or a lot of money to run. The concerns about homeless is not a BSA problem, it is a problem for our entire park system.
Mercer Island is family oriented community that prides itself on being a great place to raise a family. The BSA has been around for decades. Not rebuilding it only removes what has been a wonderful resource and outlet for islander kids.

Building a specialized sports facility in a public park because a small group of people want to does not seem like good city governance. The designated area already there was misused, but is making it a more permanent structure really the way? Kids want to leave a mark in their surroundings. I hazard to guess building the jumps was at least as important as actually jumping them. Our kids have been really bored in the past 2 years, as Covid stopped so many other sports and events.
My guess is that any new BSA will be frequented by out of towners (who will need toilet and parking facilities) and the kids that had fun in the original bike track won't be there much.
I also agree the location does not seem geographically stable nor large enough to support the facility. Not to mention the loss of one of the last wild pockets in North MI. I love that park the way it is.

It’s hard to comment without seeing the final design, but if the cost is to be 215,000, it is really difficult to imagine that it will include a parking area or other necessary facilities. Maintenance will be an ongoing Parks budget item. A user fee is just not a realistic revenue source.

It will be helpful when the consultant's initial draft design is published, although initial design drafts tend to have everything and the kitchen sink thrown in, and serve as a kind of menu. Having a design tends to focus the debate.

I know the council and city manager are struggling over this issue. The initial assumptions given to the consultant appear to maintain the footprint at the time of closure that expanded during the Covid years, and a design geared toward older riders. I am not sure that is the city manager's intent for a new trail, or the parks commission's.

One of the main reasons for closing the trail -- other than the environmental damage -- was the onsite soil used for the jumps is not appropriate soil for jumps, and digging out that soil caused erosion. One issue the parks dept. is struggling with is how to ensure any future bike trail is not modified by the users, because if it is that will likely result in the bike trail being permanently closed. So the bike trail users have skin in the game too, and are the reason the bike trail is currently closed.

The design that is chosen from this initial process will go before the parks commission for review and edits. Obviously footprint and design will be critical issues, but so will future maintenance costs (the original capital facilities plan in the PROS plan had a zero budget for the restoration, design, build, and future maintenance of the "bike skills area", in part because the design was never part of the PROS plan). So far the consultant seems confident the $215,000 is adequate for the design and rebuild of the bike trail. I also imagine parking, traffic, and bathrooms might be issues. And there has also been talk of a user fee depending on how expensive annual maintenance costs are, which of course will depend in part on footprint and design, and user respect. Another past project on Let's Talk is the city manager's plan to better manage recreational costs for the city and user fees. https://letstalk.mercergov.org/recreation-micec-planning

There was a bike trail in 2006 when the Luther Burbank Master Plan was adopted, but it was much smaller in length and width than the trail when the trail was closed, and the design was tamer. My guess is somewhere between that trail and the trail footprint when the trail was closed will be the final footprint, which might not please anyone, and is not totally consistent with the assumptions given to the consultant for the initial draft design.

The bike skills area in this part of Luther Burbank Park is a very unusual use for a MI park, and my guess is would not be approved if it had not already existed in part. I doubt the outside bike consultant will get into whether this use is appropriate at all, but my guess is the parks commission will, and so will the council, which could affect the footprint and design.

Upper Luther Burbank Park is NOT Snake Hill! The area was closed down due to extreme levels of biker vandalism - illegal trails and jump heights! Perhaps there is a different area on the island for riders but Upper Luther is not it! It is too steep and silty. Water is piped into a retention pond in the second ravine so silt won't damage Lake Washington. Over the years our organization has worked with Mountains to Sound to remove holly and ivy - plant evergreen trees and make this 100 year old forest of maples and Douglas firs. In a recent phone call with a friend from Mountains to Sound his perspective was that if you open this 20 acre park to mountain bike activity they will take over the entire park. MTS works with all the parks further east from our island home...they know the culture of the mountain bike community - it is one of build your own new trails. Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance is working to find and halt new trail building on the eastside. There are 10 new illegal trails that are hurting their reputation!!! Now let's say the riders from Mercer Island would NEVER build an illegal trail if this $215,000 built trail goes in at Upper Luther Burbank Park. What about all the riders from Bellevue, Redmond, Seattle that come here. We can not restrict this to islanders! This park was a King County Park and all of King County gets to use it! I'm from a sports family and believe in recreational opportunities but Upper Luther Burbank Park is not the place for it. There is no parking on 84th Avenue, there are already SLOW DOWN signs along it because ever since Peak and Northwood were built and a stop light put it at 40th and 86th drivers drive like bats out of hell to get to the freeway on our neighborhood streets. It is NO PLACE to invite mountain bikes! It is an ill advised location on the island. Recently a bikers mother shared it is not the right place. Let's consider where it might work and it our little island doesn't have the right place - then let's support transportation to Duthie Hill. The park is 120 acres - has 8 miles of trails for all ages and it is supervised. Let's support that as a win-win!

We grew up on the East Coast- we didn't have "mountains" or extensive park systems and preserved open spaces. The ability to access nature and have an active and healthy lifestyle is one of the things that drew us to this area. I'm in my 40s and just learning how to mountain bike. And it's hard but exhilarating. I have so much appreciation for our parks and organizations that maintain, design, educate, and protect these areas for all users. Families, hikers, bikers, dog-owners, etc all need safe spaces. We are so fortunate on Mercer Island to have sport fields, walking trails, play grounds, public water access, and beaches for the community. It fills my heart when I see people walking, biking, gardening, and having puppy playdates. Why do people feel the need to keep resources for one group with only one interest? Why can't we agree that there is space for everybody? We can continue to encourage the next generation to care and develop our resources so that everybody can continue to use them happily. 

The 6 month closure and consultant has seemed excessive from the start. While it would be wonderful to create a larger trail riding system on Mercer Island the reality is, if people are complaining about this tiny slice of biking area that has been in existence for decades the city is never going to be able to create a bigger new area. But why take away what we have? If people don't want to invest the money in improving the park then just leave it alone. I personally support the idea of a larger more multi-user-friendly expansion but I'm willing to settle on leaving a good thing as is. So much has been taken away since Prop1 did not pass and then again with covid. I'm afraid Mercer Island is losing its charm, special character, and compassionate, caring community feel. We aren't talking about large numbers of vandals destroying public property. We are talking about kids in our community who just want to ride their bikes!

I believe some of the open space areas on Mercer Island are underutilized. While nobody wants to cut down trees wantonly, providing clearly designed biking trails would discourage unauthorized expansion. Frankly, I think it is a bigger shame when areas go unused because there isn't parking or signage. The North Lid trail area is not ideal for walking. The trails dead-end as out and backs and there is only street parking. I suspect most people simply walk parallel to the road on the gravel path to avoid being near car traffic and are not using the trail system further. Every time I've been it is empty. This would be a perfect time to redesign the entire area as more of a biking course than just having the jumping area at Snake Hill. As I am learning more about mountain biking, I have been impressed with the community of bikers and organizations that have made Duthie Park a renowned destination for all levels and abilities. I see toddlers on strider bikes and older men and all ages in between. It is very sustainable. If we could bring a small piece to our community that would be impactful. There are lots of places to walk on the island. It would be lovely to have a small parking lot and a small course for the local community to use on the island. Currently it takes at least 30 minutes driving time to access trails off island. A shuttle to local parks is not realistic. We need to provide healthy options for our children and teens at home.

Building a bike park is a terrific way to encourage kids, teens and adults to get outside into nature and exercise! There is a large mountain biking community on mercer island, we even have a high school mountain biking team. Mercer island does not have have a location they can practice. The closest mountain bike park is Duthie Hill - a 25 minute drive from Mercer island. We are in desperate need of a local option for this community. Creating a path through the natural area is not destroying the forest; it is no different from the hundreds of walking paths currently through all the natural areas of Mercer island. A mountain bike park gives people a reason to get off their phone and explore the beautiful nature that Mercer island has to offer. This is a great opportunity for families with kids of all ages. As far as parking goes, we will need to consider a parking lot expansion to accommodate for the increased popularity of this natural area. A paid parking lot would help fund the maintenance of the park.

"slow the process down" and "find the best locations" are just polite euphemisms for "let it die".

Get real.

This is a tiny patch of land out of a huge park Let them ride!

Finding a place for kids in our community to ride their bikes is really important. Other communities have figured out how to do it, so can MI. It would be a lot better if we could figure out how to manage problems without the use of fencing and shutting things down.

So much of MI is overgrown with blackberry, it seems like we could easily clear a spot for bikes.

I hope that the city does not invest in building the bike park. There are not many natural areas left. It is best not to open up the areas for aggressive bike use at the cost of damaging the park.

I support biking and jumps in Upper Luther Burbank park. I was born on Island, spent my early youth next door to the park, and once again live next door with my wife and our 7 year old son. I support kids playing in the dirt and in the woods, being creative and getting exercise in nature. I support Snake Hill.

It concerns me that the idea of a bike park in this location appears to be being pushed forward without proper thought.

Like some of the commenters I think the idea of a bike trail (not a bike park) might be OK but when you decide things like a bike park it doesn’t just mean going in and mowing down a lot of vegetation. It also means seeing if there is proper access to the location and facilities like restrooms and parking to support a bike park. It means that you took the time to go through the neighborhood and talk to “all” the residents that will be affected and get their input. You need their support for this idea to be successful.

I urge you to slow this process down. I urge some thought into whether or not you hired the correct consultant. Our kids can tell you how to design a great bike park. You don’t need a consultant for that. The reason you hire the consultant is to give advice on access to the park, facilities needed at the park like parking and restrooms, information on how to oversee the park to ensure it is safe and doesn’t end up just being another recycling center, unmaintained and always keeping its neighbors upset.

Do we need a bike park? To me it sounds like yes, but it doesn’t sound like the location selected is a proper one. I would like to know how many other locations on Mercer Island were also considered. In the selection process was access considered? Was thought put into where to locate parking and public restrooms? Remember you will not just need access for participants but you will need to think out how you are going to oversee a park like this. Where are you going to locate Mercer Island Parks vehicles and equipment needed to maintain the facility? In emergencies, how are you going to get safety equipment into the area to bring someone out for transport to a nearby hospital? Above all, will the neighbors of this location be behind you or are you just upsetting one group of residents to try to appease another?

Please take the time to make sure whatever you do is a success and not just a headache for future generations to contend with. We have a lot of great locations on Mercer Island for a facility like you want that are close to parking and public restrooms with easy access for emergency equipment. This doesn’t appear to be one of them.

Thanks,
Jim

Snake Hill is a fantastic place for kids of many ages to congregate and participate in active, challenging activities. The tone among the kids who ride there is always positive and nurturing. Our kids did ride their bikes there and back quite a lot. We love it.
We fully support re-opening Snake Hill with an exciting new design.

Having a place to ride bikes in the woods has been central to growing up on MI for many, many years.
Don't deprive these kids a place to do so, there are many other examples of special purpose parks on the island, from a skate park in Mercerdale, an accessible playground, dog parks,etc and there are still many acres of unspoiled forest.
Don't let a few old neighbors derail what has been a good thing here.