– Photos courtesy of The City of Lebanon
The four-year transformation, from landfill to bike park is now complete. Stone Eater Bike Park is now open in Lebanon, Indiana. The 110-acre former landfill is now a world class bike park, with areas open for walkers and joggers to enjoy as well. Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IDEC) sponsored READI Grant funds, money from the American Rescue Plan, private sponsorship, and money from the city’s sanitation fund were utilized to make this project a reality.
“The feeling of this day and what this journey has meant to everyone involved is difficult to put into words,” said Lebanon Mayor Matt Gentry. “After hitting roadblocks and delays, the resiliency of so many people, from so many organizations has been remarkable. I am excited to see the impact Stone Eater Bike Park will have on our community, and park visitors as well.”
While Stone Eater Bike Park will serve the public in many capacities, the park will also be utilized for mountain bike competitions. As the ribbon was cut and the park opened on Friday, October 25th, the National Interscholastic Cyclic Association prepared to mark out a course within Stone Eater, to hold their final race weekend of their season, on October 26th and 27th. The Lebanon MTB team is a club team, comprised of area students between 6th and 12th grades, affiliated with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association and will be competing at the event.
“This truly is a remarkable day,” said City of Lebanon Engineer Kevin Krulik. “An incredible amount of effort and collaboration is now on full display throughout Stone Eater. We can’t wait to hear all the wonderful stories of people of all ages enjoying what this park has to offer.”
“It’s a great day for Indiana with the opening of Stone Eater Bike Park! This park welcomes riders of all abilities and is a great destination for the whole family,” said NICA League Director John Leitzel. “The all-weather capability of Stone Eater is unique in Indiana and is something that our League is especially excited about as we work to help kids get out and ride together!”
Stone Eater Bike Park will be cared for the Lebanon Parks Department. A group of trail maintenance volunteers are also expected to help care for the park.
“Lebanon is blessed to have a number of wonderful outdoor amenities for the public, and we are happy to add another attraction in Stone Bike Park,” said Park Board President Laurie Gross.
Along with City of Lebanon feedback, the design for the park was performed by Hilride Progression Development Group.
“I am really impressed with the team from Lebanon, led by City Engineer Kevin Krullik and how diligently they navigated the IDEM permitting process related to the landfill, navigated a tricky lawsuit with the county, formed relationships with the local bike clubs, teams and shops to help support and sponsor the project, and worked hard to establish a relationship with the Peoria Tribe to celebrate the Stone Eater name and cultural legacy of the Wea and Peoria tribes. It took focus and commitment by the staff and tremendous support from the Mayor to make this project happen and I have been honored to be a part of it,” said Nat Lopes from Hilride. “Stone Eater Bike Park is going to be a great recreational resource for the local community of Lebanon and will serve as a riding and racing hub for the region and with the all-weather white stone trails that are designed to be ridden all year round this park will be a true 4-season destination”
Trail construction will be performed by PumpTrax USA. Both Hilride and PumpTrax are recognized for their work to enhance the sport of mountain biking throughout the world.
“PumpTrax USA was excited about the opportunity to build a NICA-specific race course in the Midwest,” said Jason Schiefelbein from PumpTrax USA. “We see the NICA racing program as an excellent way for middle and high school students to experience the benefits of mountain biking, including teamwork, social interaction, and a love for the outdoors. The increasing number of NICA teams in the region highlights that a venue like Stone Eater Bike Park is emerging at an ideal time for mountain biking in Indiana. PumpTrax USA was grateful to partner up with City of Lebanon and NICA of Indiana.”
“The Stone Eater project is a testament to what is possible with state, local, and private cooperation,” said IDEM Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andrew Pappas. “IDEM is proud that our oversight, ensuring the proper environmental landfill closure, has helped lead to a site that will be a world-class regional attraction.”
Fundraising is currently underway for Phase II of Stone Eater Bike Park which will include a skills area, pump track, and jump park.
