The Palisade Bike Skills Park is back—and better than ever. After months of disrepair and neglect, the beloved community biking hub reopened to cheers and dusty tires on May 16, thanks to two passionate locals and a town that finally got behind them.

Nestled inside Riverbend Park, the updated trails and revamped features are already attracting kids, teens, and riders of all skill levels. It’s a small-town comeback story with some serious wheelspin.

From Overgrown Tracks to Two-Wheeled Triumph

For years, the park sat mostly forgotten—an afterthought in the town’s recreation options. Grass grew tall, dirt jumps eroded, and the park’s once-vibrant spirit faded.

Then came Cassandra Wood and Paul Davenport. The husband-and-wife duo behind Trail Craft Creations and Restoration didn’t wait for permission. They just got to work.

First came some basic repairs—smoothing out berms, reworking jumps, clearing brush. Then word spread. The Town of Palisade noticed.

Soon enough, the town partnered with them officially, contracting Trail Craft to breathe life back into the park. The transformation was on.

Why It Matters for Palisade’s Youth

Let’s be real: small towns don’t always have a ton going on for kids. And in a place like Palisade, where the summer sun scorches and screens often win, a safe and exciting place to ride bikes can make a big difference.

Cassandra Wood put it plainly: “There’s not a lot for them to do, and it’s hot. I think this is a really good thing for them.”

One sentence, and you get the whole picture. The park isn’t just a few bike trails—it’s a slice of freedom, a place for exploration, and maybe a bit of sweaty independence.

She added, “It’s a healthy activity, getting them outdoors, getting them to embrace that stewardship of being on their bikes and riding.”

It’s about getting dirty, taking a few spills, and growing a little braver with each lap. And the parents? They get a safe place to let their kids burn off energy—without burning out themselves.

A Hands-On Project That Started With Heart

Wood and Davenport didn’t start this for money. They just saw a need and jumped in.

Paul, a skilled trail builder and lifelong rider, shaped many of the park’s new lines by hand. Cassandra handled much of the outreach and planning, but also got her hands dirty too.

What started as a personal project turned into a full-scale rebuild. The town saw their commitment—and finally stepped in with support.

Here’s what changed at the park:

• Rebuilt dirt jump lines for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders

• Improved flow trails with banked corners and smoother rollers

• Safer, clearer signage for trail levels and park etiquette

• Cleaned-up sitting areas and shade structures for parents and spectators

It’s not just a coat of paint. It’s a total reimagining of what the park could be.

A Look at What’s New (and What’s Coming)

Want a quick snapshot of what riders can now expect at the reopened Palisade Bike Skills Park? Here’s a breakdown of what’s open now, what’s been improved, and what’s still in the pipeline:

Even better? Trail Craft isn’t done yet. They’re eyeing more progressive features, possible clinics for kids, and maybe even community ride days.

Community Support Made the Wheels Turn

This wasn’t some outsider project. It started with two locals, and the town followed their lead.

At the May 16 reopening, it wasn’t just kids grinning ear to ear. Parents, town officials, and longtime residents all came out. Some brought bikes. Some brought lawn chairs. All brought smiles.

One mom, watching her 10-year-old rip down the trail, summed it up: “We used to drive to Grand Junction to find something like this. Now it’s in our backyard.”

The Town of Palisade has been quick to highlight the public-private partnership. Town Manager Janet Buck praised the rebuild in brief comments, hinting at future investments in outdoor recreation.

That mix of grassroots hustle and municipal backing? That’s what made this work.

What It Means for Trail Building Culture

Across the country, small parks like this pop up—then wither when the maintenance stops.

Cassandra Wood spoke to that directly: “All these parks were built, and if they’re not being used, you know, they’re kind of just sitting there. And it’s important that we’re using these.”

Her point isn’t just about riding. It’s about ownership. Stewardship. Care.

She and Davenport aren’t just building jumps. They’re modeling what it looks like to build a better community—shovel by shovel.

And for other small towns? There’s a lesson here: You don’t need a huge budget to make something special. You just need people who care enough to start.