Plans for a bike park at Western Gateway Park in Penn Valley are moving forward after winning unanimous approval from the county planning commission. The bike park — like one in Truckee — could be a great recreational activity and provide an economic boost to western Nevada County, as proponents observe.
“Western Nevada County is getting a bike park!” Richard Baker, a partner for Siteline Architecture, wrote on his Facebook page on Thursday. “We just gained approval from the planning commission! Stay tuned for fundraising and planning.”
The news spread quickly on social media. “We received approval from the County Planning Commission today,” the Gateway Park Facebook page added. “Barring an appeal, we are on our way. Watch here for future work days at the site and fundraising efforts. Let’s build it.”
Baker, another local mountain biking enthusiast Moss Quaglia and others have been working to design the bike park — a first for western Nevada County. It has been a true grassroots effort.
“The concept for the park was born from trips to Truckee with our kids, and we think the area we are looking at will be beautiful and super fun both for kids and adults in our community,” the Gateway Park Facebook page reads.
The Penn Valley Rotary gave the group a $2,500 grant — half from the membership and half from Rotary International — to help with the initial design, according to Gateway Park organizers. Individuals and businesses also contributed.
Other supporters include Bicyclists of Nevada County. “So looks like Western Nevada County is going to be getting its very own bike park,” the group said on its blog.”Maximal kudos to Richard Baker and Moss Quaglia.”
An exhaustive 162-page county staff report on the project — including park elements, site drawings, proposed hours, a biological report, letters of support and more — is HERE.
“It is a great activity that attracts people of all ages,” one letter writer said of the bike park. “It also will help grow the Penn Valley economy by bringing more people to the area and spending more money at our local restaurants and shops.”
Kudos to all!
Jeff Pelline's Sierra Foothills Report 
Hey Jeff, Thanks for the kudos! I always knew there was a lot of support for this in our county and yesterday proved it. -John Moss Quaglia
Wonderful John. We were glad to make a $500 contribution to the project today. Thank you for your efforts.