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Council asks proposer to submit plan after initial questions on mountain-bike event; parking, trail wear and watershed raised
Summary
Oakley staff and council discussed an inquiry about hosting a large mountain-bike event at the new park addition. Staff will ask the proposer to submit a formal plan with participant counts and course details; council members cited parking limits, trail suitability and potential wear and tear as concerns.
Amy (no last name provided), a city staff member, told the council the new lower portion of the mountain-bike park opened in May and that a private promoter inquired about holding a large race or event there. Amy asked whether council wants to permit and charge fees for formal events and, if so, how to set a fee schedule.
Howard (no last name provided), who spoke about trail design and suitability, said most cross-country races use roughly 6-mile loops and that Oakley’s east and west trail configurations do not provide a continuous 6-mile loop without crossing a road. “I don't see how they would even do it,” Howard said, noting the east side is steep and the west side is more skill-focused and not race-friendly.
Kendall (no last name provided) and other council members cited practical concerns: limited parking at the site, proximity of a million-gallon tank and the Humbug well (raising watershed-protection concerns), potential trail damage from repeated competitive runs, and impacts on regular public use if the pavilion or trails were reserved for events.
Amy reported staff had called other venues for benchmarking: public venues commonly charge $100–$500 per day for such events; private facilities charge $1,000–$5,000 per day, depending on rider numbers and spectator counts. Council members asked staff to return with more detail only after the proposer submits a formal written plan including scope, number of riders, course layout and parking/traffic plans.
Council members said small, low-impact uses might be acceptable but expressed reluctance to host large races that would draw hundreds of riders and spectators. Howard and Kendall both recommended ensuring events avoid the east-side technical features and protect watershed infrastructure. No fees or policies were adopted; the council asked staff to invite the proposer to submit a formal proposal or present in person.
Ending: Staff will request a written proposal from the event promoter with participant counts, course maps and logistics; the council will review and consider permitting and fee decisions after receiving those details.
