“I hope you love Adam’s bike park as much as he would.” 

New Purcellville bike park dedicated to teen’s memory on Oct. 22

By Valerie Cury

On Saturday, Oct. 22, the Caudill family and the Town of Purcellville held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Adam’s Bike Park across from Loudoun Valley High School. 

The ceremony started at 2 p.m. at the new bike park near the water tower at 311 N. Maple Avenue. Many attendees wore red, Adam’s favorite color.  

The bike park is named in memory of Adam Caudill, a 15-year-old boy who tragically lost his life in 2021. Adam loved to ride his red bike around Purcellville. 

The ribbon cutting ceremony included dedications, the inaugural ride by friends and family, and bike and helmet safety checks. Adam’s brother Zach along with his best friends, Charlie and Gabe, took a ride around the park.

Adam’s Bike Park is accessible from North Maple Avenue and will soon be available from the W&OD Trail. The park includes ramps and pathways for non-motorized, two-wheeled bicycles. 

The bike park will honor the memory of this young man and provide a new park for Purcellville residents that will encourage young people to get outside and enjoy cycling.

Adam’s mom, Michelle Caudill, said it was so meaningful to have the park in her son’s honor, and she thanked all the volunteers, friends, supporters, Purcellville Town Council, and Town staff. “Saying thank you may not seem like enough,” she said, “but it comes from the very bottom of my broken heart.”

“There are not enough words to describe my gratitude to you in all you have done for me, for my family, for Adam, and Adam’s bike park,” Michelle continued. “We’ve cried together and laughed together. Thank you all for being here to celebrate this park in memory of our Adam.” 

“Adam would have loved it. I know he is smiling down on all of us today. Adam would have been so excited to be the first to ride. So let’s all ride for him – most importantly remember Adam and keep saying his name. I hope you love Adam’s bike park as much as he would. I love you, Adam.” 

Angie Fraser said that she taught Adam in her class in Blue Ridge Middle School and as an educator, there are some students that you remember for a variety of reasons. 

“Adam was one of those students. Adam was honest – whether he was angry or excited, you knew where he stood. There were a few times when I had to remind Adam that regardless of what he had to share, how he presented his truth actually mattered.”

“Our truth was that we had lost Adam. But the family had taken that truth and was presenting it in such a beautiful way. This will benefit members this community and even others who do not live in this community,” Angie said. “I thank you and I know there have been ups and downs. I thank you for presenting your truth in such a beautiful way.”  

She then read a message from her husband, Purcellville Mayor Kwasi Fraser, who could not attend the event due to being ill. 

“There’s a Greek proverb that says, ‘A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall not sit.’ Purcellville you have done a great thing in making this park possible not just for today but for generations to come. Thank you for sharing your truth in such a glorious and heartwarming place,” Mayor Fraser’s statement read. 

As I was leaving and walking to my car in the Loudoun Valley High School parking lot, I saw someone leaning against a tree listening to the end of the ceremony. Although he wore a mask and sunglasses, I realized that Mayor Kwasi Fraser left his sick bed to privately listen to the dedication at Adam’s Bike Park.