Land for motocross park not available

Diana Sahagun

Friday, April 21, 2000 | 10:51 a.m.

Plans for a North Las Vegas bicycle motocross park may have hit a bump in the track now that the land eyed for the park is not available.

Representatives of the American Bicycle Association are hoping to construct a BMX track in the city to host national races and provide a place for enthusiasts to practice. The ABA, a nonprofit group, went before the parks and recreation advisory board in January, asking the city for a five-year lease of 2 acres for the track and space for a parking lot at the city's water detention basin.

The matter was passed enthusiastically by the board and passed onto the council. But Kenny Kane, a North Las Vegas resident who would run the track if it is built, was told last week that the land is not available.

Parks and Recreation Director Eric Dabney said the council wants to use the land at the detention basin for soccer fields. The fields would be much like those at a flood detention basin in Las Vegas, which has four fields.

"The council has always indicated that was their preference," Dabney said.

Jim Bell, city public works director, said as of yet there is no funding available for the soccer project although the money is still designated for the fields.

Kane believes the track will exceed their expectations and says it is ready to be built as soon as the city says "when."

"The city is crying for youth activities, and they need revenue," Kane said. "I have an activity that isn't going to cost them anything that is a year-round activity for kids."

Mayor Michael Montandon said it is important to determine how many people a BMX park would serve. In his opinion, he said, a bike park will serve a much smaller segment of the population than soccer or baseball fields.

"We don't really have any land to give," Montandon said, adding that there is no access to the basin, no water, parking or electricity.

Kane, during the public forum segment of Wednesday's meeting, asked the council to reconsider its decision. The council then directed the city staff to meet with Kane to discuss a more suitable location for the bike park.

Diana Sahagun covers North Las Vegas for the Sun. She can be reached at (702) 259-2320 or by e-mail at diana@lasvegassun.com