Richmond Bike Park opens after two-year campaign by local mum

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 16:31 · Archive

Richmond Bike Park has opened in North Yorkshire after a two-and-a-half-year campaign by mum Louise Raine.

Richmond Bike Park opened in North Yorkshire on Saturday, realising a two-and-a-half-year campaign by mum Louise Raine to create a dedicated cycling facility for local young people. Despite organisers deliberately keeping the opening low-key to avoid large crowds, children began using the park almost immediately.

Raine, a mother of three, said: 'We opened under the radar a little bit on Saturday because we didn't want big crowds, but literally within minutes of us putting the announcement out, there were local kids up there.' The facility attracted users throughout the weekend, with children present from early morning to evening.

The park's development involved extensive fundraising and planning by volunteers, businesses and supporters. Major financial backing included £85,000 from Harmony Energy, with additional support from The National Lottery, Sport England, Broadacres Housing Association and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. Raine emphasised that contributions from smaller local businesses and individuals had been equally important to the project's success.

How it is being reported

• Mum's dream becomes reality as new North Yorkshire bike park opens to young ridersRichmond Bike Park opens after a two-and-a-half-year campaign by mum Louise Raine, giving local children a dedicated place to cycle, with coaching planned.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 19 Oct, 16:00
• Mum's dream becomes reality as new North Yorkshire bike park opens to young ridersRichmond Bike Park opens after a two-and-a-half-year campaign by mum Louise Raine, giving local children a dedicated place to cycle, with coaching planned.The Press (York) · 19 Oct, 16:00

In this story: Louise Raine · Richmond Bike Park · Richmond · North Yorkshire · Harmony Energy · The National Lottery · Sport England

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