After several years of planning and community support, the redesigned Kai Matthews Bike Park in Hubley is expected to open later this summer.
For the Matthews family, the project is deeply personal. In 2021, Kai tragically passed away at 19 from Meningitis B. The family established the B for Kai Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing Meningitis B awareness and Canada-wide vaccine access.
Kai’s father, Norrie Matthews, says the redevelopment celebrates Kai’s passion for biking and reflects how he always envisioned the park. He hopes it will inspire young riders to discover the same love of biking that shaped so much of Kai’s childhood.
Kai discovered BMX riding when he was10-years-old. Like many kids, he and his friends started small, building simple dirt jumps and rollers near their Three Brooks neighbourhood. Kai’s vision grew, leading him to fundraise and approach HRM to build a small bike park, which quickly became a gathering place for young riders.
Among the work crew that helped build that original park was Devon White, who now, over a decade later, is leading the bike park’s revamp through his company Dirt Love Trail Design.
The new park will feature approximately 800 metres of bike-optimized singletrack winding through the surrounding forest, connecting to a skills area that includes a pump track, jump lines, and technical riding features.
With safe spaces to learn for beginners and new challenges for those with experience, Matthews says the park will grow with its riders.
Additionally, Councillor Nancy Hartling is funding the installation of two new soccer nets in the adjacent field, giving local families another reason to visit.
For Matthews, that is exactly what Kai would have wanted.
An accomplished all-around athlete, Kai loved soccer, snowboarding, surfing, mountain biking, and BMX riding. Matthews hopes today’s young riders will discover the same sense of “All-In” love of sport and enjoyment.
Matthews believes bike parks provide more than a place to ride. They encourage children to be active outdoors, build friendships, and develop life-long skills and confidence.
