2019-11-05
Voith and FMI build BMX bicycle park for local community in British Columbia
- The new park provides the Tsal’alh community with a new way to get outdoors and be physically active
- Voith employees got to know the community while working on the Bridge River generator replacement project for BC Hydro
“Creating something that the Tsal’alh children, and the community in general, can use for recreation and to build community spirit is quite special to the crews from Voith and FMI,” said Lawson Crichton, Business Development Manager II, Voith Hydro North America. “We really get attached to the people we work with and the communities we work in, and I hope the kids get a lot of use out of it.”
The initial concept of the park was proposed by former Tsal’alh Chief Ida Mary Peter, who said she got the idea while visiting another B.C. community where she saw both children and adults gathering to enjoy land developed for bicycling activities.
“With the help of Voith and FMI, we were able to bring that sense of fun to Shalalth,” Peter said. “The children will be able to get their energy out, and their parents and grandparents will have a great time watching. This is the kind of project that can bring a community together.”
According to Crichton, the Voith crew became especially fond of the community during its stay there.
“While we worked on Bridge River, our team resided at the L’il’tem Mountain Hotel, which is operated by the Tsa’alh Development Corporation, in Shalalth,” said Voith’s Crichton. “This close interaction helped to foster strong relationships between our team and the community for whom the bike park was created. From their warm reception on day one, they made us feel welcome.”
“The BMX bicycle park opened in August, and already is proving popular,” said Mary. “We have people out there almost every day. The kids are improving their riding skills. It’s a really wonderful addition to Shalalth.”
“Though the Voith and FMI teams have moved on to other work on BC Hydro’s Bridge River project, the opportunity to give back was something that will last,” Crichton said.
“It was a way to make memories, and cherish our time in Shalalth,” he said. “I hope we also made a difference for this great community.”
About the company
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has more than 19,000 employees, sales of € 4.2 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.
More about the Voith Group
The Group Division Voith Hydro is part of the Voith Group and a leading full-line supplier as well as trusted partner for equipping hydropower plants. Voith develops customized, long-term solutions and services for large and small hydro plants all over the world. Its portfolio of products and services covers the entire life cycle and all major components for large and small hydro plants, from generators, turbines, pumps and automation systems, right through to spare parts, maintenance and training services, and digital solutions for intelligent hydropower.
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