Chicago Park District and Friends of Big Marsh Cut Ribbon on the Newest BMX Bucket-list Experience in the Midwest Six New Mountain and BMX Bike Trails and Jump Lines Open at Big Marsh Park in Chicago’s Southeast Side During Event on August 29

The “Big Hill, Big Future” campaign fundraised $1.1 Million to make the bike trail project possible, transforming Chicago’s Southeast Side into a premier cycling destination

CHICAGO, IL- The Chicago Park District and Friends of Big Marsh will join Southeast Side residents and bike enthusiasts to cut the ribbon on Big Marsh Park’s newest set of mountain and BMX bike trails located on the southern edge of the Southeast Side Park. Our newest regional destination cements the Park District top-tier cycling destination, welcoming enthusiasts of all skill levels to challenge themselves and take their riding to the next level.

The ribbon cutting ceremony, taking place on Saturday, August 29 at 12 p.m. (noon) at Big Marsh Park, located at 11559 S. Stony Island, will also be a celebratory event for all of the trail supporters that donated and contributed to $1.1 million to the ‘Big Hill, Big Future’ fundraising campaign. The new bike trails are a central feature of the original 50-acre bike trail plan for Big Marsh Park.

During the official opening of the new trails, visitors are invited to the following day of activities:
•    11 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Park Tours with your own bike, or rent one from the outfitter
•    11 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Pump Track & Single-Track Workshops to learn & practice the skills to progress through the bike features at Big Marsh Park
•    12 p.m.: Opening Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting

“The official opening of the south jump hill at Big Marsh Park cements Chicago’s Southeast Side as a thriving hub for cycling culture,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO, Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “Big Marsh Park will attract more cyclists from across the region with this exciting addition that provides riders with expanded terrain to practice tricks, build skills, and underscores the city's commitment to creating accessible, high-quality outdoor eco-recreation activities, powered by public-private partnerships that deliver on the community's vision.”

The new park amenity will include an XL competition-ready jump line and the nation's longest public asphalt jump line alongside small and medium features for beginning and intermediate BMX and Mountain bikers.

“Friends of Big Marsh is excited to unveil the next chapter for Big Marsh Park in partnership with the Chicago Park District, and to welcome even more experienced bicyclists to the Southeast Side as we position Big Marsh Park as a world-class destination for bicyclists of all skill levels,” said Paul Fitzgerald, Executive Director of Friends of Big Marsh Park. “We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all of the supporters and donors that contributed to our fundraising campaign and helped bring this vision to life.”

History of Big Marsh Park

A Framework Plan for the park that was completed in 2014 included the one-of-a-kind design for the bike park featuring 2 jump lines, a dirt pump track, and a beginner-friendly singletrack. The Chicago Park District opened Big Marsh Park on the footprint of waste and slag dumping from surrounding industrial operations in 2016 after extensive environmental remediation that transformed the industrial site into a 297-acre nature oasis with opportunities for urban eco-reaction including hiking, adventure courses, and off-road biking. In 2021, the Ford Calumet Environmental Center opened its doors to the public and provided an anchor for the expanding Southeast Side Park system, while connecting the public to the region’s natural areas and park amenities, including the world-class bike park. Construction of the new south jump hill is the final project identified in the Park’s original Plan.

The Chicago Park District and Friends of Big Marsh, a non-profit partner that offers onsite public cycling programs and bike park maintenance, have collaborated to fundraise for the construction of the region’s largest all-weather asphalt pump tracks and accessible walking trails throughout the park. This partnership has led to engagement opportunities to promote eco-recreation in Chicago’s Southeast Side to youth, families, schools, and therapeutic organizations.  

This nationally recognized park is an urban oasis for nature lovers, bird watchers, cyclists, skaters, students, and families.