First-Class BMX Track Coming to Alum Creek South

CITY PARTNERS WITH USA BMX, WESTERVILLE BMX

While the City of Westerville has had a BMX track as part of Alum Creek South Park (535 Park Meadow Rd.) since 2005, the department is looking forward to an upgraded facility that will add to the quality opportunities available for the community.

Westerville’s Parks and Recreation Department is collaborating with USA BMX and Westerville BMX (formerly Columbus BMX Racing) to enhance the current dirt track facility built more than 15 years ago.

“When this was brought to us, we saw a fantastic opportunity to upgrade our BMX track facility,” said Randy Auler, Westerville Parks and Recreation Director. “USA BMX will begin the renovation and reconstruct the current track, which will exceed all national guidelines. Westerville BMX will then assist us with daily track operation. The goal is to have programming to teach people how to ride, provide a quality space for riders to practice and also hold some BMX events.”

Much like the hockey and baseball/softball programming already provided by the Parks and Recreation Department, the partnership with Westerville BMX will continue to provide unparalleled opportunities to the community.

“The biggest benefit is that the community is receiving a topnotch BMX track at no cost to the City of Westerville,” says Auler. “We’ve established a collaborative effort to provide these events and expand the sport to our citizens through that programming. With the BMX track, skate park, hockey rink and sledding hill at one site, we’ll coordinate scheduling so we aren’t duplicating events at the same site at the same time so we can provide the highest-quality experience.”

Chad Buehrer, Westerville BMX track operator, also is looking forward to the move to Westerville.

“We are excited about coming to Westerville and having the opportunity to expand our program,” Buehrer said. “The best part about BMX is that it provides an opportunity for people of all ages and skill to enjoy riding and the Olympic sport of BMX Racing. Westerville BMX offers several options including open houses for people or parents who want to learn more, a beginners-only BMX Racing League that eases young riders’ introduction into BMX Racing, balance bike races for those little rippers that aren’t quite ready for pedals, various skills clinics and open racing for those who want to compete against others their own age and skill level.”

For Buehrer, Westerville provided the perfect place to introduce BMX to a new group of riders.

“We were lucky enough to get started with Westerville BMX, which has been operating in Central Ohio since 1988,” he said. “Everyone there instantly made us feel like family. Now, several years later, we get to be part of bringing that history to Westerville and couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to introduce people within the community to the sport and the program that changed our lives forever.”

Look for updates about the project at www.westerville. org/parks.

From left to right: Pierson Gesling, unknown, Hailey Buehrer, Hayden Buehrer, Landon Buehrer, Maurice Adams (program coach).