Putting the launch in launch party for Momentum Bike Park

Riders like Ben Holman put the launch in launch party Saturday.

Holman, a member of Joplin-based Stunt Dudes BMX and skateboard performers, from Bentonville, Ark., was one of many making the most of blue skies and a great spring day when the city of Joplin held the Grand Launch Party for Momentum Bike Park.

City officials estimated the crowd of more than 1,000.

The event included competitions, races and demonstrations by experienced riders showcasing the park's features.

There was a live DJ, food trucks and vendor booths.

MOmentum is the largest municipal bike park in Missouri, featuring more than 132,000 square feet of formal bike park elements alongside 10 miles of purpose-built mountain bike trails on 95 acres.

The $5.8 million project was funded through the parks and stormwater quarter-cent sales tax, the hotel-motel tax, and a Missouri Department of Economic Development local tourism ARPA grant of $1.5 million to expand and improve the project.

For more information about MOmentum Bike Park, visit joplinmo.org/momentum.

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This story was originally published May 3, 2026 at 5:39 PM.