Gilbert, Arizona, could still become home to the “epicentre” of BMX riding in the US, if plans by the country’s national body go through and a timeline can be established on development by the town’s authority.
USA BMX is searching for a host city to build the sports facility and attraction, which would include a purpose-built headquarters building, relocation of the BMX Hall of Fame (currently in Chula Vista, California), athlete training facilities and an indoor track with dual SX/Amateur starting hills.
While the plans are still in the works, a statement issued by Gilbert said that parks and recreation would be looked into before the BMX super facility plans.
“The highest priority, at this time, for me is addressing the needs of our parks system in South Gilbert,” said the town’s mayor, John Lewis. “Although a BMX facility is a part of the masterplan, and would bring substantial recreational, economic and tourism benefits to the community, we believe there are other parks-related needs that require our attention first.
“Once we have developed a more specific plan for South Gilbert, I’d welcome the opportunity to revisit this project.”
USA BMX started searching for prospective cities in March 2013, asking for forward-thinking municipalities to make their pitch to bring jobs, community recreation and economic benefits of the facility to their city.
Gilbert – the current home for USA BMX headquarters – has shared its desire to house the project, and commissioned an Economic and Fiscal Impact study by a private firm to evaluate the potential on the local economy, with the study coming to the conclusion that if built, the facility would have a US$1bn (£592m, €726m) economic impact over a 30-year period.
The plans would see 27-acres of land used to include a 14,000sq ft (1,300sq m) headquarters office building, as well as an additional 12,000sq ft (1,114sq m) structure for “Olympic Training Facilities,” and the BMX Hall of Fame.
The project has been budgeted at US$20m (£11.8m, €14.5m) with US$3m (£1.8m, €2.2m) coming from USA BMX and the remainder from the town of Gilbert.
