Cedar Bike Pump Track Now Open!

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) celebrated the official opening of the Cedar Bike Pump Track with dignitaries, the Stevie Smith Legacy Foundation, partners and the public on Monday, August 31.

Prior to the ribbon cutting, guests were welcomed by Snuneymuxw First Nation elder Jerry Brown and Noel Brown followed by speeches from dignitaries, partners and supporters. Following the ribbon cutting, a honourary flag lap was taken in memory of Mike Davidson, a long-time BMX executive.

The new pump track was coordinated by the Stevie Smith Legacy Foundation and supported by generous donations from local businesses. The Foundation funded the design and installation of the pump track which is located beside the Cedar Skate Park on Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools District land. The RDN holds an agreement with School District 68 to manage this property through a License of Use agreement. The RDN will manage and maintain the pump track with costs funded through the Electoral Area A Community Parks and Halls operating budget.

For more information on the pump track project, as well as the overall park expansion project, visit getinvolved.rdn.ca/cedar-community-park-expansion. To learn about the Stevie Smith Legacy Foundation, visit steviesmithlegacy.com.

Quotes

“We are grateful to the Stevie Smith Legacy Foundation, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools, community members and RDN staff for working together to make the Cedar Bike Pump Track possible. This project is another great example of what can happen when partners come together with a shared goal: creating new amenities that support active, healthy and connected rural communities.”

- Stuart McLean, RDN Board Chair and Electoral Area H Director

“The Cedar Bike Pump Track is something truly special for our community, especially for the young riders, children and families who will be able to enjoy it for years to come. It creates a fun, welcoming space close to home where youth can be active, build confidence and connect with others. This project would not have been possible without the vision and hard work of the Stevie Smith Legacy Foundation, along with the dedication of their volunteers and the generosity of their donors.”

- Jessica Stanley, Electoral Area A Director, Regional District of Nanaimo

“As we approach the tenth anniversary of the Steve Smith Bike Park’s opening, we are excited to provide a new space for the community – regardless of age, gender, ability, or method of movement – to come together and ride. Pump tracks are accessible spaces that build physical activity skills and foster social connection. Because Mike Davidson was so passionate about active lifestyles and building community, we felt it was absolutely appropriate to build this new pump track to honour his legacy. “

- Michelle Corfield, Founder and Randy Little, Director, Stevie Smith Legacy Foundation

Ribbon Cutting Photo, left to right: Keith Hall and Mark Lade, Coastland Wood Industries; Erin Hemmens, RDN Director; Tim Harris, Trustee, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools; Stuart McLean, Chair, RDN Board; Michelle Corfield, Founder, Stevie Smith Legacy Foundation; Kathy and Beau Davidson, spouse and grandson of Mike Davidson; Jessica Stanley, Electoral Area A Director; Jerry Brown, Elder, Snuneymuxw First Nation; Donna Hais, Board Chair, Nanaimo Port Authority; Paul Sadler, GM & CEO, Harmac Pacific; Noel Brown, Snuneymuxw First Nation.