Work has begun on the Island 22 Bike Park and the designer/builder is using social media to gather input from potential jump park users.

Jay Hoots of North Vancouver has prepared a number of conceptual designs for the joint project between the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) and the City of Chilliwack.

The city is providing $200,000 in capital for the park and the FVRD will oversee the construction, ongoing maintenance and supervision of the site.

The project was begun after the Sardis humps-also know as the westside jumps-were levelled in June 2010 because of liability concerns on the city-owned property. At that time, parks staff looked for a new location but a review of city-owned properties found "no parcels matching the criteria." FVRD staff were then asked about the Island 22 site.

"I am proud of the partnership and co-operation on this project between the City of Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley Regional District," said Mayor and FVRD board chair Sharon Gaetz in a press release issued Wednesday.

But the location of the bike park is not playing well with all riders.

Sponsored Chilliwack rider Mike Dekoning wrote on Twitter in December: "Disgusted with the City of Chilliwack and they're [sic] plans for this new dirt jump facility."

When asked by the Times to comment further, he responded: "Spending $200,000 on a DJ Park in the middle nowhere should sound stupid to anybody."

When asked if his opinion was widely held among local riders, he said: "Lots of kids have had nowhere to ride for over a year. Most just want a place to ride. Unfortunately this location is a fail."

For more information on the bike park and to provide feedback to Hoots visit www.facebook.com/ island22bikepark.

phenderson@chilliwacktimes.com