Louisville's only BMX course poised for redevelopment

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The BMX course at E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park is on the drawing board for significant improvements.

According to the Louisville Sports Commission, the track needs to be upgraded in order to keep it's annual national competition sponsored by USA BMX. It will also allow the city to book more events and attract out-of-town guests.

The need for upgrades is a result of BMX becoming an Olympic sport, and the transition to bigger, better, faster tracks.

"30 years ago, the Tom Sawyer BMX course was one of the top in the country," said Karl Schmitt of the Louisville Sports Commission. "The competition has been gaining on us."

Which means if Louisville wants to continue hosting the Derby City Nationals over Labor Day weekend -- and keep the money the event brings in -- it needs to be able to compete with newer venues. Plus, if they make the improvements, Louisville will become a consideration for other BMX events.

"With the improvements, we maintain and grow the biggest event we have, and we have an opportunity to at least look at other events," said Schmitt. "Without the improvements, we can't even have the conversation."

Besides adding new gates and expanding the existing start, the first part of the course will have to be extended.

Schmitt says the upgrades are priced at $250,000. The commission plans to pay for it with money from the city, state, and private donors.

While groups that use the course like Derby City BMX are hoping to secure even more money in order to add a concession stand and restrooms.

"The more money we bring in, the more upgrades we can do," said Russell Maurey, president of Derby City BMX.

According to the Louisville Sports Commission, if improvements are made, USA BMX has agreed to sign a ten year contract with the city. The contract will guarantee the Derby City Nationals every year for the next decade. If improvements aren't made, the city will likely lose the national competition for good.

Schmitt said the redevelopment will take the ten year economic impact of the course up to $27 million, where as, if the improvements aren't made the city will only see an impact of $7 million.