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Promoters propose cycling race at T. Mary Park; city staff, police to follow up
Summary
Race promoters described a short-course cycling event for Teamire/T. Mary Park, outlined safety and logistics needs, and city staff and police agreed to a follow-up meeting to discuss closures, insurance and traffic plans.
Promoters of a short-course cycling race presented plans to the Board of Aldermen for an event at T. Mary Park, describing a compact loop course, multi-heat schedule, and safety requirements. City staff and public safety officials agreed to a follow-up meeting to review traffic closures, emergency access and insurance.
The proposal: Mike Weiss, who identified himself as a retail business owner and longtime cycling-event promoter, told the board he visited the park and found it a “suitable venue to hold a race.” Weiss and a co-promoter, Mark, said the format would use repeated laps on a sub‑one‑mile course (one speaker said “just under a mile”), run as a series of timed heats. Weiss described a full program as roughly seven to eight hours of competition, with individual races about 45 minutes apiece and multiple ability categories; he said organizers typically allow about 1.5 to 2 hours to prepare and set up the course.
Safety and logistics discussed: Promoters said the course would be closed to vehicular traffic for safety and that they would bring barricades and fencing; they asked about available restrooms, parking and whether pavilions were reservable in May. Officials and promoters discussed using hay bales at turning points to reduce injury risk and preparing a parking plan that would minimize neighborhood disruption. Promoters said they would obtain additional insurance and indemnify the city and property owner as required.
Community impact and scale: Weiss said a first-year event would likely focus on nearby riders and community spectators rather than large-scale commercial production; on a good day promoters said they might host 150–200 athletes across heats. The organizers suggested food trucks or local vendors as a growth option in later years but said inaugural plans would emphasize safety and local outreach.
Next steps: The board and promoters agreed it would be appropriate to hold a subsequent meeting with police, parks, and fire department staff to discuss course closure, traffic control, safety protocols and insurance. The promoters offered to be the point of contact and to provide sample videos and materials from past events.
No formal vote or permit decision was taken at the session.
