Vancouver Island’s only year-round BMX track opens in Nanaimo
Global News
The renewed Marie Davidson BMX Track has reopened for casual day use following a dramatic $1.9 million upgrade that allows it to remain open year-round.
Bigger bumps and sweet jumps will now keep the fun rolling year-round for BMX athletes in Nanaimo, B.C.
The renewed Marie Davidson BMX Track has reopened for casual day use following a dramatic $1.9-million upgrade.
The redesigned track, created by Olympic BMX track builder Tom Ritz Design, features a recycled concrete and asphalt foundation, sealed with a dust suppressant and soil stabilizer, making it Vancouver Island’s only year-round track.
“To be able to have a facility that we can use throughout the year is just phenomenal locally for our riders, but also for all the riders on the island that want to get out there and practice because there’s no other facilities that we can really ride indoors in the wintertime,” Nanaimo BMX Association president Craig Hashimoto said.
The new facility – located at 2001 Labieux Rd. – also includes a five-metre start hill, an official’s platform and increases the track surface from the previous 2,800 square metres to 4,000 square metres.
The new track is getting the thumbs up from riders like nine-year-old Maple Nychyporuk.
“It’s bigger and it has more rhythm and it’s not so small like our old one,” the five-year rider said.
“It’s really nice. I’m glad that they did do it because we needed a new track. The old one was just meh. Got too easy to ride. And with this new start hill, some people may be scared at first, but I’m telling you, just go easy on it. You’ll get used to it.”