The long awaited construction of a BMX track adjacent to Munson Mountain Park is scheduled to commence the first week of May.
Contractors volunteering to assist the club will be onsite and working alongside an expert from the American Bicycle Association (ABA) with experience designing tracks across North America.
“We are very excited to commence construction of the new facility. Thanks to the support of the public, our many sponsors, and the City of Penticton, our dream of constructing a first class BMX track will become a reality this summer,” said Andrew Bayston, president of the Penticton BMX Club.
Related: Penticton council gives thumbs up to BMX track
A BMX track is 300 to 400 metres long and consists of a series of jumps and bumps with banked corners or berms. The track is expected to be operational this summer.
Since making its Olympic debut in 2008, the popularity of the sport has exploded worldwide. BMX has a strong youth following with both boys and girls taking part. Bayston estimates there are approximately 75 members in the Penticton club ranging in age from 18 months to 67 years.
The new track will offer a great entertainment alternative for any kids who might want to come out and give it a try. Clubs from Kelowna and Vernon have also expressed interest in making the trip south each week to the new Penticton facility.
Related: Vernon club rallies around Penticton BMX track proposal
The Penticton BMX Club has been working with the City of Penticton towards the expansion or relocation of their existing BMX track located at Lions Park adjacent Warren as far back as 2010. In January 2015, the club made an official presentation to expand or relocate the track and council supported the relocation to the Munson Mountain site.