Purcellville Town Council gives Adam’s Bike Park a big thumbs up

By Laura Longley

Michelle Caudill has a dream: That on June 1, 2022, every parent who hopes to see their child happy and healthy, every Purcellville kid who loves to mount a bike and ride with friends will turn out at Fireman’s Field and discover Adam’s Bike Park. And every one of them can thank this mom who, with her boundless imagination, relentless fundraising, and the support of local cyclists, international bicycle manufactures, the Purcellville Parks and Rec team and all the members of the Town Council, created a remarkable place in honor of her 15-year-old son Adam, who died in a tragic accident last year.

“When I think of this bike park, I can’t help but smile,” she told the Town Council. “I see this as a community gathering spot for all ages. I see friends meeting here for hours. I see moms chatting on benches watching the children who are totally engaged in physical activity. I see dads riding bikes with their kids. I see families packing a lunch and coming here to spend a few hours on a Saturday. I see an outdoor arena that is affordable and accessible for family fun, right here in town. I see kids and even teenagers smiling and having a good time. What I don’t see is teenagers staring at their phones. They’re also not at home staring at another screen.”

Instead, she sees kids like Adam. “He loved riding his bike around this town. He was easy to spot with his 6-foot frame and weighing only 135 pounds and always riding his red Trek mountain bike. If you were ever lucky enough to spot him, he always had a kind smile and a thumbs up for you.”

Caudill’s concept is to create a place accessible to kids from all over town—a safe environment where kids can hone their skill, to become more confident on their bikes. They can then take those bikes elsewhere, like the W&OD trail.

The demand is there for a park dedicated to cycling: In 2019 and 2020, with COVID, the bicycle industry saw a 60 percent increase in children’s bike sales. And that means the kids now have bikes, and the one thing they don’t have is a place to use them. What Caudill would like to do is provide that place.

The plans and its features are based on existing parks in the area, particularly one that Adam, his brother Zach, and friends frequented in Stephens City, just south of Winchester.

At Fireman’s Field, the park would include several fixed structures in a path system occupying a small portion of the property. The town-owned property’s towering trees could be maintained in place, using their shade to create a pleasant riding environment.

The path would run alongside the Bush Tabernacle and make the most of the natural elevation. The trail would flow through the trees to control speed and ensure a safe environment. Installation of the bike path would be the first phase, followed by construction of a covered area with seating for families that come with their kids. The area would also include a maintenance facility where kids can work on their bikes—fix a flat tire or brakes.

And who would pay for all this? Not you, Purcellville taxpayer!

The bottom line is estimated at $60,000 to $80,000; Michelle and her family have raised money through Adam’s fund, and they’ve developed connections with some bicycle industry vendors who see the growing need for bike parks like this one across the county. For ongoing park maintenance, local cycling clubs, youth clubs, and supporting town members are very likely to help out. Purcellville, she points out, is already seen as a welcoming environment for cyclists, and, she adds, “We’re sure that it will bring revenue to some of the restaurants in town as well.”

Anticipating Council members’ concerns, Caudill addressed a number of issues, including liability. “The Code of Virginia 291509 provides relief of liability for the Town Council so long at the park is a town-owned facility and there’s no fee involved.”

Council members were amazed at the extent and depth of her planning and budgeting for the park.  

“I’m used to people coming and asking us to do a thing and pay for it,” said Council member Joel Grewe. “And you’re coming here and saying ‘We would like to do something for the community as a whole—oh, and by the way, we’re basically paying for it.’”

“The thing I’m interested in is getting out of your way,” added Council member Tip Stinnette.

“I know you’re going to do the right due diligence. I know you’re going to partner with our staff.

“What can we do to help you get you to your June target? Ideally, it would be a great way to celebrate Adam, and so there’s a date associated with that.

“If we put that at risk because of the normal bureaucracy of using taxpayer land, then I’m interested in trying to figure out how we can collaborate and not put that at risk…I fully trust that you’re going to do it right because of Adam’s legacy,” Stinnette concluded.

“We have received over 140 emails,” noted Mayor Kwasi Fraser. “Adam’s memory has really energized this community, so with that said, “Is there anyone on this dais who thinks this is a bad idea?”

His question was met with shared laughter.

“Well, that speaks for itself,” Fraser added. “With that said, when government comes and tells you that you need help from government, you want to run from government. Our job is to stay out of your way, so this can be done.”’

Thumbs up!