Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Mayor Terry Sveine cuts the ribbon for the re-opening of River Valley BMX Thursday night, followed by a special open house event for the public. From left, front, City Manager Chris Dalton, track operator Brent Frederick, Mayor Terry Sveine, track operator Zach Dummer, City Councilor Les Schultz and David Christian and Park and Recreation Director Tom Schmitz; back, Charlie Arndt, Danica Kent, Cole Fredrick, Delaney Sellner and Alex Winter.

NEW ULM — The city held a special ribbon cutting for the River Valley BMX track with Mayor Terry Sveine.

The BMX track recently received an upgrade. The banking turns were paved to add stability to the turns.

Mayor Sveine said the track and its improvements are beautiful. He credited the track with teaching generations of accomplished riders, including Karl Clark, Afton Schrimpf and Cole Frederick, who have gone on to be professional riders.

Sveine said not only is the River Valley BMX Club a respected entity and a proud member of New Ulm’s organizations, but it has created a tourism attraction through the various competitions that have contributed to New Ulm’s economy by attracting notable numbers of tourists.

“For that, myself and New Ulm’s tax-payers, thank you” Sveine said.

Following the ribbon cutting, a special open house event was held that included a riding demonstration followed by a free race.

River Valley BMX holds weekly races at 7 p.m. Monday, throughout the summer and fall.