#EDMBikeParkBuild Update 1.0

Thursday, May 8th, 2025

Construction Prep is Underway at Queen Elizabeth Park!

After years of planning, partnerships, and perseverance, we are thrilled to officially be on-site and kicking off the first stages of the Edmonton Bike Park project!

While the full Development Permit is still pending, the City of Edmonton has approved the beginning of early-stage site preparation.  

Stoked to be on site at Queen Elizabeth Park in downtown Edmonton.

Where We Are Right Now  

The project is officially in pre-construction mode, so we’re doing everything possible to prepare the site before our building partners join us later this summer. 

Brush Clearing and Site Cleanup 

You’ll see crews clearing out deadfall, trimming brush, and removing garbage from the site. This is all about improving access, reducing hazards, and preparing for equipment access. All work is happening in areas already disturbed or approved for development. We love Edmonton's existing forested single-track trails. We want to maintain this arboraceous vibe in the bike park, so tree removal is limited to trees with a diameter of 2 inches or less. Those that are dead or posing a safety hazard have been marked by the city for removal, with many being tree-topped (reduced in size by cutting off the top of the tree) and left to provide habitat for wildlife.

Flow Trail Flagging  

EMBA volunteers are working together to flag all trail alignments on the ground. This ensures that the trails follow the contours of the land. Identifying terrain challenges from the start ensures efficient site use, respects features like natural drainage ditches, and avoids slumping and sloughing zones. It’s a critical step that helps avoid frequent and high-cost maintenance and minimizes our environmental footprint. This step will guide our volunteers in creating our flow trails in the coming weeks.

Geotechnical and Ground Assessments 

Construction planning isn’t just about the surface. Our consultants thoroughly examine the soil conditions and subsurface materials to ensure the trails, features, and jump lines are built to last. This provides a safe and sustainable park for years to come.

Design Tweaks and Refinements 

While the big-picture design has been set for a while, real-world conditions mean a few adjustments are necessary. We work closely with our partners and the City to finalize the smallest details, ensuring every feature fits perfectly and aligns with City guidelines.

Wildlife and Environmental Coordination 

We are proud to work alongside the City’s Forestry and Natural Areas teams to ensure this project has minimal environmental impact. Wildlife monitoring and habitat protection are important considerations, even in a highly used urban park like Queen Elizabeth.

Funding Secured 

Thanks to incredible support from our community and partners, all major funding for the Bike Park is locked in. 

• $407,000 — City of Edmonton (Recreational Partner Facility Improvement Program) 

• $612,999 — Alberta Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) 

• $177,000 — Private sponsorships, donations, and in-kind contributions (materials, tools, labour) 

EMBA and our partners are getting a feel for the site's natural contours.

What's Next: 

Next week, we welcome local and national Indigenous Knowledge Keepers to help guide our use of this site and ensure respect for its history and cultural significance.  

Progress updates will be posted weekly on our website and social channels, so you can follow the journey as Edmonton’s Bike Park becomes a reality. Share your excitement with us online with the hashtag #EDMBikeParkBuild.  

If you’re interested in volunteering to help build the bike park, sign up as a member of EMBA to get first dibs on volunteering opportunities. Joining costs just $20 per year, or get a family membership for only $50.

Get Involved