PORTLAND, Ore. — Gateway Green has completed its final improvements, inviting the city to enjoy a “Take Your Kid Mountain Biking Day” at the park.
The opening took years of planning, with families enthusiastic about the new biking space, eager to enhance their skills.
Linda Robinson, a board member of Friends of Gateway Green, a group dedicated to developing the park in Northeast Portland for cyclists, emphasized the importance of the area for teenagers.
“We don’t have many things for teenagers to do,” Robinson said. “They learn how to really control their bikes in a place where there are no cars.”
Portland Parks and Recreation collaborated with Friends of Gateway Green to acquire the 25-acre space in 2014, finishing upgrades to the multi-use trail this past Saturday.
“This was an experiment partly to show you can combine active recreation with a natural area,” Robinson said, highlighting features, like bike trails, a play space for families and a stage for performances.
The park welcomed families to the improved space by hosting “Take Your Kids Mountain Biking Day.”
Trillium and Geddy Tarbell have attended the event for the past five years.
“It’s good having a giant place to bike around, especially because there are many different ages and levels,” Trillium Tarbell said.
Wilder Nance plans to use the space for practice ahead of bike races.
“I love the airtime when you just feel the breeze in your hair and jump. I feel like every kid should get to experience this,” Nance said.
The improvements have been well-received by neighbors in East Portland.
“It seems like a super good, positive step for our neighborhood,” said Kyle Phillips, a local biker.