Dig deep! The Strawberry Hill Bike Park campaign launches March 22-24 with a weekend of events for families and riders of all ages, sponsored by the Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation.  

Proceeds from all events support construction of the island’s first-ever dedicated bike park at Strawberry Hill Park for riders of all ages. The 8-acre bike park will feature 1.5 miles of riding trails with challenging features like jumps, flyovers and berms. A special skill-building area will welcome new riders or those honing their bike riding skills.  

The Parks & Trails Foundation and Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District hope to break ground on the Bike Park this fall. The Foundation is about halfway to the $450,000 fundraising goal, and donors at all levels are encouraged to give today to support the Bike Park.  

“Bainbridge Island is a biking community that generously supports conservation and youth initiatives,” said Mary Meier, Executive Director. “We’re asking island riders, families and all friends of outdoor recreation to ‘Dig Deep’ with generous gifts to make it happen.”  

The Strawberry Hill Bike Park Campaign is sponsored by Brown Bear Car Wash.  

Dig Deep! campaign launch weekend events include: 

  • Friday, March 22 – Mountain Bike Film Fest, Historic Lynwood Theatre

Come celebrate the launch of the fundraising campaign for Strawberry Hill Bike Park on Friday March 22 at the Historic Lynwood Theater. Enjoy a collection of mountain bike films that showcase the impact trail building has on community and the joy of riding, and to get excited that this will all become a reality on Bainbridge Island! Raffle prizes, bike park swag, beer and refreshments are all part of the (all ages) party. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 advance at www.bikestrawberry.org and at the door. Seating is limited, so advance purchase is recommended.  

  • Saturday, March 23 – Shortcake Saturday at Strawberry Hill Park 

Come see the future home of Strawberry Hill Bike Park as we launch the fundraising campaign. Join us for Strawberry Shortcake Saturday, an afternoon of fun on bikes for riders of all ages. All riders get to make their own custom SHBP Race Plate and enjoy strawberry shortcake. Registration required for all riders. No bike, no problem. Tour the Bike Park site (pre-registration required) and learn how you can help make the project happen with a gift. The event is free, but please pre-register so we know how much shortcake to make.    

The event is 1-4 p.m. Waiver is required for the guided Bike Park site tour and the kid riding activities.  www.bikestrawberry.org 

  • Sunday, March 24 – Sunday Fund-Day for Strawberry Hill Bike Park at Eleven Winery 

Enjoy an afternoon of fine local wines at Eleven Winery to benefit the Bike Park. The winery is donating all tasting fees and glass pours, and 10 percent of bottle purchases, to the Bike Park project. Learn more about Strawberry Hill Bike Park while you’re there. Also enjoy live music by Ian Skavdal from 2-5 p.m., and pop-up pulled pork and brisket by Oink & Moo BBQ and fresh treats by CinnaRohls. Bring your friends to make this a lively, sociable afternoon and evening to support the Bike Park.  

Sunday Fund-Day runs noon to 8 p.m. at Eleven Winery (7671 NE Day Road W.). Registration isn’t required; learn more at www.bikestrawberry.org.  

ABOUT STRAWBERRY HILL BIKE PARK 

Strawberry Hill Bike Park is a compact, community-scale park designed for riders of all ages and skill levels. Riders will enjoy winding downhill runs with jumps, berms and other challenging features. A special skill-building area for beginners and several easier runs ensure the park is welcoming to everyone.  

Key to the design is a series of “flyovers,” wooden overpasses that allow downhill riders to cross above other riders where two trails intersect. Serving rider safety while optimizing park space, the flyovers let designer Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance achieve 1.5 miles of riding trails on the 8-acre bike park.  

Local businesses can earn special recognition at the park by sponsoring the Bike Park campaign. Email mary@biparksfoundation.org for Partnership Levels.  

Tax-deductible gifts at all levels are welcome through the Parks &Trails Foundation.   

Information: www.bikestrawberry.org.