Behind the Build: The Vision, Progress, and Community Power Driving the Kosciusko County Bike Park

The Winona Lake Bike Park continues to take shape, and every load of dirt, volunteer hour, and community partnership brings the project one step closer to reality. What started as a shared vision has grown into one of the most exciting outdoor recreation projects in our region.

To learn more about what’s happening behind the scenes, we spoke with Jason Stouder, Director of Business Development and Build for Progressive Trail Design (PTD), the team helping bring the bike park to life.

With more than 18 years in the action sports industry and over a decade with PTD, Jason has designed and built trails and bike parks across the United States and around the world, including projects in Italy, Portugal, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Hawaii. His experience makes him uniquely qualified to help transform this vision into a destination riders will enjoy for years to come.

A Vision Worth Building

Jason first learned about the project after meeting with KCV leadership.

“What immediately stood out was the vision,” Jason shared. “I love turning unused spaces into beautiful recreational spaces, and KCV had already laid an incredible foundation.”

After visiting Winona Lake and seeing the site firsthand, his excitement only grew.

“The passion of the KCV team and everything they’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time really inspired me.”

What Makes This Bike Park Unique?

Every bike park has its own personality, but Jason believes this project stands apart because of one thing above all else: our community.

From securing land and raising funds to coordinating volunteers and sourcing materials, community members have played a major role throughout the process.

One of the most impressive accomplishments involved importing thousands of cubic yards of dirt from nearby Grace College to build approximately 15 feet of elevation on an otherwise flat site.

That elevation creates opportunities for:

• Flow trails
• Berms
• Jump lines
• Skills features
• Scenic riding experiences

Creating this much terrain from a flat field doesn’t happen often, and it showcases what strong partnerships can accomplish.

Designed For Every Rider

One goal guided every design decision: to create a bike park where riders of every age and ability can have fun while continuing to develop their skills.

The park will include features for beginners, intermediate riders, and experienced cyclists.

Highlights include:

• Progressive jump lines with varying sizes
• A dedicated skills area featuring wood and rock obstacles
• Flow trails that wind through the hillside and tree line
• A dual slalom course where riders can race side by side on mirrored tracks

Jason expects the dual slalom course to become one of the park’s signature attractions.

“It gives riders a chance to compete head to head while enjoying a fast, flowing course with berms and opportunities to catch some air.”

Construction Continues To Move Forward

The project recently reached an exciting milestone: the starting hill now stands complete, and crews have finished bringing in the dirt needed to shape the park.

The week of July 6, Progressive Trail Design began the detailed shaping process that transforms piles of dirt into recognizable trails, jumps, berms, and riding features.

Jason expects water management to become one of the project’s biggest challenges because the site sits on relatively flat ground. Careful planning during construction will ensure the park performs well through changing weather conditions.

Built By Our Local Cycling Community

Although Progressive Trail Design leads construction, the local cycling community shaped much of the park’s overall vision.

The project dates back to 2016, when KCV began conversations with the Town of Winona Lake about adding a bike park near the existing trail system.

After COVID paused those early plans, a larger property became available through the generosity of the Hauth family. That opportunity allowed KCV to think bigger.

The planning team gathered input from:

• Local riders
• Community volunteers
• KCV’s Bike Park Planning Team
• International Mountain Bike Association Trail Solutions

Together, those voices helped create the design now becoming reality.

More Than A Bike Park

This project represents much more than new trails.

The bike park will help riders improve their skills, build confidence, and enjoy the physical and mental benefits that come from spending time on a bike.

The project will also strengthen Winona Lake and Kosciusko County as a destination for outdoor recreation.

Visitors from throughout Indiana and neighboring states will have another reason to visit our community. Combined with local mountain bike trails, greenways, restaurants, shops, and outdoor amenities, the bike park will encourage day trips, overnight stays, and continued investment in our region.

Looking Ahead

Jason hopes every rider leaves with the same feeling after their first visit.

“I hope people have fun, challenge themselves, and immediately want another lap.”

The current construction phase focuses on dirt trails and riding features, but the long-term vision continues beyond opening day.

Future phases include:

• A paved pump track
• A bike playground
• Additional improvements shaped by community feedback

You Can Help Build What’s Next

The bike park has made incredible progress thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers, local businesses, and community partners, but the work isn’t finished yet!

As we look ahead to future phases, including the paved pump track, bike playground, and other planned improvements, we still need funding to bring the full vision to life.

We’re also looking for local partners who want to support specific aspects of the project through sponsorships, in-kind donations, or other contributions.

Every gift and partnership helps create a destination that will serve riders, families, and visitors for generations to come. If you’d like to be part of building the future of the Kosciusko County Bike Park, we’d love to connect with you. The best way to get in touch is by emailing info@kcvcycling.org. 

This Is A Community Success Story

The Winona Lake Bike Park will exist because hundreds of people believed in a shared vision.

Community leaders, businesses, volunteers, donors, designers, contractors, and cycling enthusiasts all contributed to bringing this dream closer to reality.

As construction continues, one thing becomes increasingly clear: this project belongs to the entire community.

KCV looks forward to welcoming local riders, families, and visitors from across the Midwest to experience everything the bike park has to offer. We can’t wait to see you on the trails!