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Locating a small area of land for a track can be challenging - keep an open mind and don’t let any vacant lot go undiscovered. You may find an abandoned sports field, overgrown park land or even some private property that may be suitable to build on.
Look for a parcel of land that is 2-5 acres and located in an area that is close to a neighboring community or urban area where population can support membership. Two acres to build a track is just perfect if the track is to be constructed within a park that already has ample parking and restroom facilities. If amenities such as parking, restrooms, and other structures are not available, consider 4-5 acres to accommodate the infrastructure.
| Places to look for land: |
| 1. CITY PARK OR RECREATION AREAS - look for unused or overgrown areas that are vacant that have suitable infastructure. A track located within a park will provide additional exposure and attention and help promote the sport quickly. |
| 2. VACANT / OVERGROWN LOT - It may be owned by the city or privately. You can check on the status with the local city hall administration office. Take a few pictures to put in a file in case you need further reference. Be ready to provide a neighboring address so you can identify the property. Once you have a contact, call and tell them what the land would be used for. |
| 3. CALL YOUR COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MANAGER - they will point you in the right direction quickly. They may have additional contacts for other people who may have land. |
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HOW TO GET APPROVAL TO USE LAND Once you have identified one or more sites for a potential track you will require permission to use this land, such as a landuse agreement or lease.
Government/City/Park land: A typical situation for a BMX Association would have the Parks and Recreation Department leasing the land to the association for a token amount per year and renewing the lease every three to five years. This allows the track to operate their activities under the regulations of the park and any other additional usage rules in the contract.
A variety of guidelines may apply such as hours of operation, size and number of buildings allowable, and dates and times of competitions.
Be clear about the full scope of operations that your track will conduct.
 The NBL will provide materials and visual support to help you present BMX to city officials.
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An unused and overgrown parcel of land may be exactly what the park and recreation department needs to spruce up a park.
This overlooked land sits between a sports field complex and campground - an ideal location for a BMX track. If you see land like this, ask the Parks and Recreation Manager or head to City hall to find out what it is zoned for.
HOW MUCH LAND DO I NEED?
2 ACRES - SUITABLE TO BUILD A REGULATION TRACK IN A PARK THAT ALREADY HAS PARKING, WASHROOMS, A POWER SOURCE AND SPECTATOR SEATING AVAILABLE.
3-5 ACRES - MORE SPACE IS REQUIRED WHEN YOU HAVE TO PROVIDE SPACE FOR PARKING, WASHROOMS, AND OTHER NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE.
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How to fi nd land for a track / Indoor Racing
Private land:
Finding some unused private land can be easy in rural areas and small communities but may be tougher in larger metropolitan areas. The value of land in a large city plays a role in whether the landowner will allow it to be used for a long period of time without a revenue source. The landowner of a vacant lot that is scheduled for development might be willing to part with it on a temporary basis or perhaps even long term. Be sure to explain what BMX Racing is with emphasis on the family and youth elements and they just might get excited about it and be willing to help the cause.
Indoor BMX Racing:
Many of the colder climate NBL BMX tracks are closed during the winter due to poor weather, so an indoor facility can be a great alternative. Searching for a suitable building may be fairly simple but obtaining permission and finding a good re-usable source of dirt will be the challenges.
Look for the following:
- Large floor space to build a track - 200’ long by 150’ wide
- Ample spectator seating - 300-500 seats
- Dirt - If the building is used for equestrian, they may have dirt on-site.
- Utilities - Check on the power, heating and other amenities
- Parking
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Educate the building manager on what BMX Racing is all about. Present them with handouts, pictures and any other useful materials so they understand the full scope of operation.
When asked about insurance, show them a copy of our insurance certificate and let them know that all sanctioned events are covered by our liability policy.
If you are planning on using their on-site dirt the building manager may have concerns that racing will damage their dirt and materials. Remind them that BMX is a nonmotorized clean sport.
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| TIP: LET THE OWNERS KNOW BMX IS ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY |
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When looking for a suitable indoor facility, be sure to emphasize BMX is a clean, non-motorized sport for kids and families. If you are using their dirt, they will be concerned that you may contaminate their material. |
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