KARRIS GOLDEN Courier Staff Writer | Posted: Friday, August 10, 2001 12:00 am
JACK JORGENSEN
Courier Staff Writer
WATERLOO
Supporters of a Bicycle Motor Cross track are hoping to relocate to a city park.
Members of the Eastern Iowa BMX Association met with Mayor John Rooff Tuesday to discuss plans on a future location of a new BMX racetrack.
The association is trying to move the racetrack from its location at Waterloo Greyhound Park to a city park. The track has been at its current location since July 2000.
Rooff said the city is enthusiastic about a move to city property.
"We're behind anything that gives families a chance to be together," he said. "These people involved in BMX are good people, they're the salt of the earth."
Rooff said with a move to city property, the city would be able to be of better assistance to the association.
"We could react quicker with city resources than if they were on private property" he said. "If the association needed help with moving dirt, we could provide city workers for a few hours."
Gerald Theil, president of the BMX Association said Greyhound Park personnel are supporting the relocation.
"We've had a great relationship with Greyhound," Theil said. "They would be supportive of a move."
Theil said a move to city property could only benefit the city's youths.
"It's a little hard for some of the city's youths to ride their bikes all the way out (to Greyhound Park)," he said. "A move closer in town would only help the growing number of BMX participants."
Theil said in 1999 seven or fewer racers were participating in local races. In 2001, there were approximately 190 racers.
He said the majority of national BMX events are held on city, county or state property. "A move to city property would only enhance chances for a national event," he said.
Rooff said the city has narrowed its search to six options.
"Ideally, we would like an existing park, already supplied with concession stands and toilet facilities," he said.
The BMX Association will next meet with the mayor Aug. 22, when the city will make its recommendations for a racetrack site.