Big changes are rolling into Burnaby’s outdoor scene: the City of Burnaby is in the midst of a $4.72-million redevelopment of the beloved Mountain Air Bike Skills Course at 8486 Barnet Hwy, aiming to reopen a world-class biking destination by Spring 2026.
After 15 years of wear and tear, the original course — located in the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area — is undergoing a complete transformation. Designed with public input and the latest in bike park innovation, the new Mountain Air Bike Skills Course will serve everyone from first-time riders to seasoned mountain bikers, all while supporting a healthier, more dynamic community.
A Reimagined Playground for Biking Enthusiasts
When the Mountain Air Bike Skills Course first opened in 2008, it was a pioneer — one of the few outdoor wood pump tracks free to the public. Over time, however, its features aged, prompting safety concerns and a growing demand for a facility that could keep pace with the region’s vibrant biking culture.
The redeveloped park will introduce a fresh mix of features designed to accommodate a wide range of skill levels and biking styles. Riders can look forward to:
A brand-new BMX jump section, packed with berms and looping jumps.
A progressive flow trail, offering beginner, intermediate, and advanced lines for a longer, smoother ride.
A jump line area with walls and drops — answering the public’s call for more challenging features.
An asphalt pump track, favored for its safety and durability, letting riders generate speed without pedaling.
Expanded gathering areas where families can watch and support riders in a lively, inclusive atmosphere.
A bike maintenance station, ensuring quick tune-ups are always within reach.
Crucially, the course will tie more seamlessly into the larger Burnaby Mountain trail network and the Barnet Highway bike lane, creating an even bigger playground for outdoor adventure.
Listening to the Community: Public Input Drives Design
The City of Burnaby made community engagement a cornerstone of this project, hosting open houses and online surveys across 2022 and 2023. Over 1,300 residents, riders, and park visitors participated, shaping everything from the layout to the materials.
Key insights included:
A strong demand for more jump lines and drops.
Overwhelming support for an asphalt pump track rather than wooden features or gravel surfaces (which were linked to injuries).
A push for safer, more durable trail materials and expanded drop-in zones.
This feedback ensured that the redevelopment didn’t just modernize the course — it built a space that reflects what the community truly wants and needs.
*Photos by City of Burnaby
Project Timeline: From Vision to Reality
Here’s how the redevelopment is progressing:
Spring 2022–Winter 2023: Concept development, public engagement, and design refinement.
Summer 2024: Construction contract awarded after a competitive RFP process.
Early Fall 2024: Construction underway.
Spring 2026: Targeted grand reopening.
Although some early reports suggested a Summer 2025 launch, the City’s latest project status page confirms Spring 2026 as the expected completion date. In the meantime, the original course is closed for upgrades, with construction activity already in progress.
Beyond Bikes: A Family-Friendly Destination
The redeveloped park isn't just for adrenaline seekers. It will feature picnic areas, drinking fountains, bike racks, toilet facilities (including wheelchair-accessible washrooms), and even a bike wash station. With improved amenities and safer, progressive trails, the Mountain Air Bike Skills Course is set to become a central hub for families, school biking clubs, and community groups.
And while the course won’t be supervised, clear signage, safety recommendations, and respectful trail etiquette guidelines will help ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all users.
Curious how the new Mountain Air Bike Skills Course could shape the future of Burnaby’s outdoor community? We’re keeping a close eye on projects like this to make sure our clients — and future riders — stay in the know. Want to be one of them?