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Volunteers propose 5,500‑sq‑ft RC car track at BMX Basin; commission voices support
Summary
A group of hobbyists proposed a volunteer‑built remote‑control (RC) car track at the BMX Basin, describing a roughly 5,500‑square‑foot footprint and offering to maintain the facility. City staff flagged permits, insurance and indemnification as next steps; commissioners expressed informal support but took no formal vote.
Cameron Chase, a local hobbyist, asked the Flagstaff Parks and Recreation Commission on Monday to allow volunteers to build and maintain a roughly 5,500‑square‑foot remote‑control car track inside the BMX Basin. The group proposed using an underused, fenced portion of the park and said it would seek permits and run occasional events.
The proposal would place the track on “about 5,500 square feet” — roughly two‑thirds of that side of the park, Chase said — and would rely on volunteer labor and donated equipment. “We just kinda wanna make a space that is not used in a park that is relatively not used and make something fun out of it,” Chase told the commission.
Parks staff told the commission the site sits near the edge of a flood plain and that the project would likely require a flood‑plain use permit and limits on heavy machinery. Staff also said special event permits would require proof of insurance for organizers when events are held. Amy Hagen, Assistant PROS director, said the city would likely want indemnification or a contractor agreement if volunteers perform construction work.
Commissioners and Council Member Anthony Garcia raised practical questions about construction methods, maintenance and noise. Commissioner Christiansen asked whether events would increase city insurance exposure; staff replied that event permit holders must provide insurance that covers the city. Chase said volunteers would handle ongoing maintenance and that some smaller mechanical help (for example, small skid steers) might be used but that the group would not expect to use full excavators.
Chris, who identified himself as the owner of the town’s hobby shop, joined Chase in describing local demand and volunteer capacity. Commissioners asked staff to work with the group on permitting and on drafting any necessary agreement for construction and maintenance; no formal motion or vote was taken on the proposal.
Next steps include further coordination between Chase’s group and parks staff (Gino) to confirm permit requirements, finalize any indemnification or maintenance agreement and apply for special event permits when organizers plan fundraising or larger meets.
