After much anticipation, the Benton Mountain Bike Park officially opened its doors to the public today with a grand opening celebration. Located at 1100 South Market Street, the park offers a unique recreational experience for riders of all skill levels. The sizeable crowd included local dignitaries and families.
Benton Parks and Recreation Director Stephanie Jones expressed her enthusiasm for the park, stating, “This park will provide a fun and challenging environment for riders of all ages. We’re proud to offer a space where people can improve their skills in a safe and controlled setting.”
Trails for Everyone
The Benton Bike Park boasts nearly 4 miles of trails, catering to a variety of riding styles. Here’s a breakdown of what riders can expect:
- Multi-use Perimeter Trail: This natural surface trail is perfect for beginners or those looking for a casual ride.
- Skills Course: This area allows riders to practice fundamental skills on obstacles designed for safe progression.
- Downhill Trail: This challenging trail offers a thrilling ride with switchbacks and drops for experienced riders. An alternate line provides a less technical option for those looking to build confidence.
- Dual Slalom Course: This course, only the second of its kind in Arkansas, pits riders head-to-head in a race down parallel tracks.
Three distinct areas provide riders with a nice progression of trails from beginner to expert. The trails were built by Progressive Trail Design of Fayetteville, AR.
Grand Opening Festivities
The grand opening celebration offered a fun-filled day for the community. Attendees enjoyed:
- Food trucks and vendors
- Demo bikes available for test rides
- Giveaways and prizes
A Catalyst for Growth
Benton Mayor Shane Baldwin sees the park as a valuable asset to the city. “The Benton Bike Park is more than just a place to ride bikes,” he said. “It’s a destination that will attract visitors and boost our local economy. It also aligns with our vision of creating a healthy and active community.”
The Benton Bike Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset and is free to use. With its diverse trails and exciting features, the park is sure to become a popular destination for cyclists in Central Arkansas.
We first wrote about the Benton Bike Park in April of 2023.
