River Valley BMX asked about a potential $100k loan from the city for safety and quality of life updates on the city’s 30-year-old track during Tuesday’s City Council Work Session.

NEW ULM – River Valley BMX is looking to do a large safety remodel of the city’s BMX track.

A proposal for a $100k loan from the city with zero interest to be paid back over 15 years was proposed by River Valley BMX board member Tallin Wald at Tuesday’s City Council Work Session.

Park and Rec Director Joey Schugel said River Valley BMX leases the track from the city for races and events and has done quite a bit to maintain its current state.

“Over the years, River Valley BMX has made significant improvements to the track with little to no cost to the city,” he said. “Yearly track maintenance, including grounds maintenance, is mostly handled by River Valley BMX. Our crews do some work down there, but volunteers are doing the heavy lifting.”

After raising money on their own for years, Schugel said River Valley BMX wanted to request funding from the city to aid in their plans. Wald said River Valley BMX is entirely volunteer-run, and all the money goes back to the track.

“That’s the registration, concessions, everything we have,” he said. “We’re known across all of Minnesota as having the most robust group of volunteers, as well as the most robust fan base.”

River Valley BMX runs weekly races every Monday throughout the summer, which Wald said averages around 54 riders. They also host a yearly race that qualifies for the state championships. He said they saw around 1500 attendees and 500 riders this year.

Wald said 2025 will be the track’s 30th year. With that, some original pieces that came when it was built should be changed out.

“There’s a [hill with a] gate that drops down and the riders ride through,” he said. “That starts the race. We still have the original one that came with the track when it was built. It’s the oldest version by far in our state. We’re looking to update that to get to a much safer style. In tandem with that, move our starting hill to the side. That’s going to widen our home stretch of the track.”

The track exit after the finish line is two people wide shoulder to shoulder. Wald said that’s eight feet narrower than many race rules specify, which limits other big races like their current yearly from coming in.

“There’s a series called the Gold Cup Series,” he said. “It’s one step above the state series, and it’s more regional. We have tried to put some bids in to win so that race can come to town here, but our track is currently limiting our ability to win that.”

River Valley BMX has been able to raise $60,000 of its own money for the repairs, and they have been cash flow positive every month for the last three years. Wald said the loan would help grow more stimulus for the track and the community while giving back to the kids.

Mayor Kathleen Backer said she was in awe of River Valley BMX’s presentation and their success.

“You can package your enthusiasm and your group as a model for non-profits and how to go about recruiting, retaining volunteers, and providing a service to the community,” she said. “Not only for the kids but for the economy of our community.”

Wald said he wants to have all local contractors for the project. Councilor Dave Christian asked if the city was capable of doing everything required, like the dirt work. Wald said he has been working with Schugel to ensure they can use local workers.

Schugel said he has worked with City Attorney Robert Scott to update the licensing agreement between the city and River Valley BMX, as well as loan terms, for when this proposal comes before City Council at a regular meeting.