Beacon Village Bike Park to Bring ‘Spark Back’ to Swannanoa in Spring 2025

Transforming Swannanoa from “Swanna-nowhere” to “Swanna-somewhere”

In an exciting turn of events for the small town of Swannanoa, the team behind Beacon Village has announced the transformation of the former Beacon Blanket factory into a bike park. Led by co-founders Casey Watkins, Meredith Ellison, and Brandon Ellison, this innovative project aims to breathe new life into the area and “bring the spark back to Swannanoa.” Construction has been underway for the past few months and the park is expected to open in the spring of 2025.

Creating a Community Hub

The Beacon Village project encapsulates not just a bike park but a vision to make the area a hub for the community. Co-founder Watkins revealed that the completed pump track includes professional and beginner components to make the park accessible for all. In the coming months, rollers and other biking features will be installed to complete the bike park. Future plans include the addition of a walking track around the park, a lawn, and shipping container-style structures for bike rentals, bathrooms, and the park office.

About the Pump Track

For the uninitiated, a pump track is a continuous circuit of banked turns interspaced by rollers that can be ridden without pedaling, riders create momentum via up and down body movements, often called ‘pumping’.

Navigating Environmental Concerns

One of the challenges faced by the Beacon Village team is the environmental concern attached to the property, due to its history as a factory site. As a designated brownfield, the property presents hurdles in permitting and clean-up. However, the team remains committed to doing “everything by the book,” as they believe it’s well worth the effort to revitalize such a historic site.

An Accessible, Inclusive Space for All

A key aim of the Beacon Village project is accessibility. Beyond physical renovate, the team plans for Beacon Village to be financially accessible to the local community. While admission prices have not been set yet, the founders are confident that the park will be accessible “no matter your economic status.”

Breathing Life into Swannanoa’s Past

It’s worth noting that the Beacon Village site carries a rich history. After moving from Massachusetts in 1924, the Beacon Manufacturing Company was a key player in the area’s economy until its closure in 2002. The factory was, unfortunately, destroyed in an arsonist act the following year, standing abandoned ever since. Through the Beacon Village project, Watkins and his team plan to resurrect this historic site, creating a vibrant hub that the community can be proud of.

In Conclusion

The Beacon Village bike park is a beacon of hope and rejuvenation for Swannanoa. Its upcoming opening in spring 2025 anticipates not just a rich biking experience, but an inclusive, accessible space that will restore vitality and pride in the community. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when vision, entrepreneurship, and community spirit come together.