Summer 2024 is sunsetting at Basin Rec's Trailside Bike Park. Photo: courtesy of Kelly Fink // Basin Rec

PARK CITY, Utah — The Trailside Bike Park, managed by Park City’s Basin Recreation (Basin Rec), will close for another successful summer season when snow begins to accumulate.

The unique area’s facts and statistics resurface annually as bike enthusiasts see similar places emerge nationwide, with municipalities and counties recognizing the community benefits.

Photo: courtesy of Kelly Fink // Basin Rec

Phares Gines, Basin Rec trails and open space manager, told TownLift, “The facility fully fulfills the purpose of bike parks which is to allow opportunities for all abilities and have trails and features that progress their skills.”
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Gines, like many others who watched Park City mountain biker Haley Batten earn an Olympic medal on the Paris 2024 venue, was awe-inspired by how local trails prepared her for that global moment.

Large user groups, ranging from kids’ camps to adult groups and high school teams, utilize the Trailside Bike Park weekly throughout summer.

The bike park is free to ride. A small amount of revenue is generated through group permits, but most funding comes from local tax dollars and grants.

Directional, bike-only trails help enforce etiquette. For injury prevention, Gines suggests riders “Pre-ride, re-ride, free-ride.”

Bike tools were once available for free use, but some participants abused the system, leading to their removal.

Last fall and spring, the feature titled Bamm Bamm was rebuilt as part of ongoing upgrades and improvements, supplementing weekly trail maintenance.

Regarding wildlife, badgers and ground squirrels are most prevalent in summer, creating holes in the tread and berms. During winter and spring mud seasons, deer and elk damage trails, requiring spring maintenance before reopening.

Families teach children to ride on Trailside’s varied skill-level trails.

Dave Paskoski, Basin Rec trails supervisor, told TownLift, “A highlight of this summer at Trailside Bike Park was hosting six volunteer events and one eagle scout project for trails. It was great to connect with locals and visitors who care so deeply for the trails and were just excited to give back to them.” He added, “Just a reminder everyone to be patient and kind while out on the trails.”