8.3.B. PRSR 09-13-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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September 5, 2006 Elk River Park Board Ladies and Gentlemen: Elk River BMX (an abbreviation for bicycle motocross) is anon-profit track run primarily on volunteer help. We are funded entirely by donations and income generated from paid practices, races, and concessions. BMX is a form of cycling on bikes sanctioned by the ABA (American Bicycle Association). It is a consistent struggle to get enough people involved to make it a success. Track maintenance is the most difficult task to accomplish mostly because of the Minnesota weather. If the track is not nice, the kids won't come to race. Therefore, we are asking the Elk River Parks department for some help in making this a success. On the attached document are several things we need to make the track a success. Under each item we have listed the benefits for the track. In the long term the requested improvements would help make the track the best in the state. We understand that these items are costly, but after this winter (2006!2007) there will be no indoor track in Minnesota. Rehbein's Arena closed in May 2006, and will re-open only for a few months this fall/winter, then will be closing permanently. In 2008, BMX will be added as an Olympic Sport, and BMX racing will really take off. Without an indoor facility, hundreds of kids from all over the state will be looking for something to do with their time unless someone does something about it. The Elk River BMX track would: • Fit the needs of youth culture • Provide a safe fun place to ride • Provide a diversionary activity from crime and anti social behavior • Encourage an active lifestyle • Be a low cost -low maintenance facility relative to other sports • Create a cohesive community by developing a sense of citizenship in young people • Help the Ciry by generating income for hotels, restaurants, eta (When people come to race for a weekend, they need a place to stay, and places to eat and shop) • When we amact large crowds, we generate more income that could be put back into the facility The City of Elk River has a golden opportunity to be a leader in the BMX community, and we look forward to working with you to help make this happen. Please carefully consider these items for upcoming years. Sincerely, Elk River BMX SPM