On Saturday, May 22, King County Executive Dow Constantine will cut the ribbon on what is being hailed as one of the best resources for mountain bike riders in the country – the Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park.

Situated along Duthie Hill Road just beyond the south-eastern edge of the City of Sammamish limits, the 120-acre section of King County land has been developed by volunteers from the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance into more than 6 miles of biking trails and a wide range of technical trail features. Over the past year, riders, community members and Evergreen staff have built a series of berms, jumps, climbs, descents, flow lines, drops, skinnies and logrides, specially designed for all skill levels – from those just learning the sport to the hardened Black Diamond pros.

Though riders from all over the state are already enjoying the facility at Duthie Hill, next Saturday’s ribbon cutting will mark its official opening, and will provide an opportunity for a number of groups and individuals to get the appropriate kudos.

Foremost among them will be Mike Westra, who coordinated the project for Evergreen, both as a hands-on builder and trail worker, as well as his coordination of volunteers and grant funding.

Also critical to the effort at Duthie Hill was King County Parks and Recreation (KCPR), and their liaison Butch Lovelace. KCPR provided more than $200,000 in grant funding to the park, recognition that mountain bikers, while a growing community, have long been under-equiped with suitable facilities.

The event will begin at 9 a.m., with the ribbon cutting by Constantine at 11:30 a.m. There will be a barbeque, raffle prizes, and a wide range of exhibits from biking and outdoor companies and organizations. There will also be a jumping demonstration.

The trails will be open and the public is encouraged to bring bikes and helmets. This will be a free event for all ages.

For more information about the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance and the Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park, visit www.evergreenMTB.org.