Work underway to build new Vernon Hill mountain bike area

A new area will be developed over the summer for mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts to explore.

The North Okanagan Cycling Society announced that it had begun work developing the Vernon Hill recreation area Tuesday, June 30.

The area will feature 24 kilometres of trails for riders to explore and enjoy, and the initial development will be focused on the initial climb and the legacy trail Happy Endings. The group said the rest of the network would be developed out in phases over the summer, with the goal of having it all ready and open to the public by the fall.

“This project represents years of planning, collaboration, and community support,” Chris Crawford, president of the North Okanagan Cycling Society, said.