Nanaimo BMX athletes can take their radical riding to the extreme at a better-than-ever track.
A grand-opening event was held Sunday, May 4, for the re-built Marie Davidson BMX Park at Beban Park.
The track has a re-located five-metre start hill and has been expanded to approximately 4,000 square metres of track surface, 40 per cent larger than the former 2,800-square-metre track surface. The track's all-season stabilized and sealed surface is unique on Vancouver Island and one of just a few of its kind Canada-wide.
Riders have been giving the track rave reviews, and Canadian Olympian Molly Simpson was on hand at the opening ceremony, saying she loved the track and that it's an "amazing facility."
"This is one of those special places where the words, 'Mommy, I'm not sure,' can turn into, 'Whee!, Yahoo!' and maybe even 'See you later, suckers…'" said Charlotte Davis, the city's deputy parks director. "This track helps beginners build confidence – and hopefully maintain some humility – all the while challenging experienced riders to sharpen their skills."
The $1.9-million re-build was made possible thanks to close to $1.5 million in federal funding, $330,000 in provincial dollars and $50,000 from the Nanaimo BMX Association.
"These are the types of amenities that help build a stronger community and strengthen our social fabric," said George Anderson, Nanaimo-Lantzville MLA.
Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog remarked he probably won't ride the track himself, but said part of being a community is building amenities for every interest, whether it be BMX at the new track, team sports on the turf fields, swimming at the aquatic centre or rowing or paddling at Long Lake.
"What this track represents to me is the best about Nanaimo, a community that cares enough to recognize the needs and the desires and the hopes of everybody," he said. "But most importantly, in honouring Marie Davidson and her commitment to young people, giving them the opportunity and the encouragement and the facilities to be their best, to do their best, to build the kind of citizens that will continue to contribute and build these kinds of facilities across the city to make it what it is … a community that welcomes everybody."
Davidson, who died of cancer in 2010, was the co-founder and longtime president of the BMX club. She moved the facility from Cedar and developed it into an international-calibre track.
Cameron Stanley, vice-president of the BMX association, said he's proud, grateful and excited to see the track open, and called it "a dream built through hard work, dedication and support from the City of Nanaimo." He pointed out elements of the track that pay tribute to athletes and builders Steve Smith, Aidan Webber, Bill Mercer and Davidson, and asked people to ride together in their honour.
Craig Hashimoto, club president, thanked sponsors, board members and everyone else involved, including the volunteers who coached and cheered, and who shovelled, raked and repaired the track over the years.
"For four decades the Marie Davidson BMX Park has been more than just a track, it's been a place where riders of all ages have found passion, perseverance and lifelong friendships," he said. "From our earliest days up until this brand-new chapter, we've been powered by the energy and heart of a dedicated community."
