Leo M. Marvin, M.D., Ph.D., wrote the famous self help book “Baby Steps - A guide to living life one step at a time...”  We at Redding Trail Alliance took a page out of that book for the Junior Bike Park build.  With aspirations of a world class bike park that would be destination worthy, we have been slowly planning and working with the City of Redding.  Local contractor and cycling enthusiast Jamie Lynn approached us with the idea of building a small scale kids park in our off season.  He was going to have some spare time and wanted to contribute to the project.  Since this was something we could currently afford and we would have Jamie’s help, it seemed like a no brainer.

We developed a concept plan that we then presented to the City at a council meeting.  The idea was well received as we would be utilizing a part of Caldwell Park that parents were hesitant to take their families to because of the existing clientele.  So we started working with the parks department on the required plans and permits.  After developing a full build plan and getting a grading and encroachment permit, we broke ground on September 25th 2017.  With the help of Jamie and The McConnell Foundation, Redding Trail Alliance had a crew working full time on the project for 5 and 1/2 weeks.  The park features a pump track that is paved with Technisoil G5 which creates a surface stronger than asphalt but blends in with the rest of the natural surface paths, a skills trail with various obstacles including a bike teeter totter, log rides, elevated ramps and finally a jump line with progressively larger table tops that encourage young and old alike to gain confidence getting some air time. 

The Park has been a huge success.  It was just the “Baby Step” we needed to take.  The City and community are both in anticipation of the full scale park designated to be built just across the road from our Caldwell Junior Bike Park.