A proposed BMX bike track near the intersection of Kipling Parkway and Hampden Avenue is going to move forward and could be operational by mid summer.
The as residents of an adjacent neighborhood had brought concerns to the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners and staff at the , which owns the land. The closest residents live approximately 100 yards from the proposed bike track.
The track has been in the planning stages for the past few years, but some residents said they knew nothing of the plans and had issues concerning noise, parking and the potential for grandstands and lights.
About 30 residents spoke at a Foothills Park and Recreation District board of directors meeting Tuesday. They learned that the district is under contract with Mile High BMX — a nonprofit organization that will build and manage the track — until the end of 2016.
Staff of both Foothills and Mile High BMX also assured residents there would not be lights or grandstands installed, just some small seating areas.
Once the initial contract has expired, Mile High BMX and Foothills can decide if they would like to renew the contract or part ways.
“At that time, we will review and see if everything is up to snuff and possibly sign an extension,” Foothills Park and Recreation District Board President John Bradley said.
Bill Turner, a board member with Mile High BMX, said the last permit should be approved by the county soon and the nonprofit will be bringing in dirt to start construction. BMX track builder Eric Bress, who designs tracks for Olympic competition, is volunteering to construct the track, which Turner said could take as little as two weeks to complete once work begins.
Currently, there is a BMX track near the intersection of County Line Road and Colorado Boulevard built on a landfill. Otherwise, the closest tracks are in Colorado Springs and Dacono, according to Turner.
Turner added that Mile High BMX is planning to meet with residents and address any concerns.
“We are definitely wanting to do that and make sure (residents) feel well informed and not in a position where they are upset because they didn’t know,” Turner said.
Chris Holodny, who had been serving as a de facto spokesman for the opposition group, said he doesn’t understand the point for the BMX track since he doesn’t see room to grow. But he appreciated the Foothills board taking the time to hear the concerns.
“I’m happy the board took the time to listen to us and try to work this out,” Holodny said. “We’ll see how it works between us and Mile High BMX.”
Joe Vaccarelli: 303-954-2396, jvaccarelli@denverpost.com or twitter.com/joe_vacc
