Creating Intentional Space for Healthy Childhoods: The Youth Bicycle Safety and Skills Track
Along the Shenango River in downtown Sharon, Pennsylvania, a unique project is helping create new opportunities for children to play, learn, and build confidence outdoors.
With $5,000 of support from Buhl Regional Health Foundation’s (BRHF) Mini-Grant Program and numerous community partners, the Mercer County Trails Association developed the Youth Bicycle Safety and Skills Track at River Garden Park — a free space designed to help children safely learn and practice bicycling skills.
The Youth Bicycle Safety and Skills Track in downtown Sharon, PA
Located near low-to-moderate income housing communities, the track is both a recreational asset and a long-term investment in youth well-being.
The project was originally designed to give parents and caregivers a safe, traffic-free environment where children ages 5 to 15 could learn how to ride bicycles while building confidence navigating real-world cycling conditions. Featuring traffic signage, riding obstacles, and skill-building elements, the space introduces children to bicycle safety in a fun and accessible way.
But organizers say the project was always about more than bicycling alone.
“At a time when many young people are spending more time online and less time engaging face-to-face, projects like this create valuable opportunities for physical activity, social connection, and healthy development. The benefits extend far beyond the bike track itself,” says Kimberly Porsch, Director of Grantmaking at BRHF.
The idea grew from a broader mission shared by the Trails Association and community partners: creating healthier lifestyles through outdoor recreation and safe, intentional public spaces.
Research continues to show the importance of outdoor activity for physical and emotional well-being, especially for children. At a moment when many families are concerned about screen time, social isolation, and limited access to safe recreational options, projects like the Youth Safety and Skills Track offer opportunities close to home for movement, connection, and confidence-building.
Since receiving support in 2022, the project has also reflected the power of community collaboration. Local organizations, businesses, civic groups, and residents all contributed toward the effort, helping fund what became an approximately $81,000 community investment. The investment supported the full development of the bicycle training track, including site preparation and grading as well as safety features, signage, landscaping, and riding areas designed for different skill levels.
Partners included the Sharon Recreation Commission, Kiwanis Club of Sharon, Quota Shenango Valley, local foundations, businesses, and individual donors. A plaque donated for display at the park recognizes the full list of contributors.
A plaque with donor names was donated to the MCTA.
“Strong communities are built when residents, organizations, and local leaders work together to create opportunities that support well-being, connection, and growth,” says Jennifer Barborak, Executive Director of Buhl Regional Health Foundation.
“We’re proud to support projects like this bicycle training track because they not only provide a fun place for children to learn and play but also strengthen the foundation for a thriving community.”
In addition to the physical track itself, the project also supports ongoing youth programming through bicycle safety education, bike inspections, and free helmet distribution.
Today, the track continues serving children and families throughout the Shenango Valley and surrounding communities.
“The park is not used as much as we would like but we have been unable to increase awareness of the park,” says Mike Kotyk of the Mercer County Trails Association. “The Sharon Beautification Commission has been doing cleanups and plantings around the park, and MCTA and the Kiwanis are planning a bike safety event for late July/early August.”
Plans for the summer event include snow cones, popcorn, and free bicycle helmets for the community. MCTA is actively searching for partners for the event and welcomes organizations interested in being a part of this endeavor to reach out to them directly via their online contact form.
Mike Kotyk, of MCTA, at the bicycle training park
For the Buhl Regional Health Foundation, the project reflects how community well–being can take many forms — including creating spaces where children feel safe being active, learning new skills, and spending time outdoors.
Lasting community health is built through many interconnected efforts. This bicycle training track represents one local investment in creating the kinds of opportunities that help young people—and communities—thrive.
For more information about the Buhl Regional Health Foundation’s Mini Grant Program, see this link https://buhlregionalhealthfoundation.org/grants/mini/.