Crews are now working on overhauling Marie Davidson BMX Park. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

new track

Construction underway on new Nanaimo BMX race track

Jun 26, 2024 | 5:24 AM

NANAIMO — Construction of a new local BMX track represents short-term pain for long-term gain.

Closed for the season is the Marie Davidson BMX Park on Labieux Rd. as crews construct an enlarged and improved facility for the fast-growing sport.

The City’s manager of parks operations Charlotte Davis said they were approached by the Nanaimo BMX Association in 2019 to request a new start hill, leading to a broader, more in-depth review, resulting in an entirely new track.

Davis said the track will cater to a wide range of skill sets from inexperienced riders all the way up to professionals.

“There’s a section of the track you can take one of two ways and really build up your skills so you’re going to be able to start in right there for the under fives all the way up to the professional levels,” Davis said.

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The track’s five-metre-long start hill is being relocated, while the course is twice as long, Davis said.

“This is one of four tracks on the Island and I know that we have a lot of people who travel to come here to take part in this sport and we will have even more so now. This is going to be the best track on the Island.”

The City’s Charlotte Davis said the track’s surface will comprise of a durable and structured compact soil. (City of Nanaimo)

The project is currently in the civil phase with storm drainage being installed, followed by the installation of the start gate.

Next month a specialty contractor will apply the new surface, ensuring it’s shaped properly with a smooth surface and professionally formed angles, Davis noted.

The project is scheduled to be completed in December, while Davis noted Marie Davidson BMX Park is locked up and not accessible during construction.

“In the meantime, I’ve spoken with riders and asked where they’re riding, and they’ve said they’re practicing on some neighbouring tracks in Qualicum Beach and are also using Steve Smith Bike Park for skill training.”

The project is budgeted at $1.8 million, Davis said.

View from neighbouring Beban Park looking northeast toward the new start hill at Marie Davidson BMX Park. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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