Lake County approves one-year lease for Mount Elbert motocross track, contingent on paperwork

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday approved a one-year lease with Mount Elbert Moto to operate the Leadville motocross track, with the board placing conditions on final signing.

The lease was approved on a motion that the commissioners said would be contingent on Mount Elbert Moto providing current insurance certificates, proof of 501(c) status and its most recent Form 990 tax filing, and on final legal review and cleanup of clerical language in the contract. Commissioners voted in favor of the action.

County staff and the track operators described the agreement as the product of multiple revisions and negotiations. The board’s motion allows the operators to run the track for the 2025 season while county attorneys finalize the lease language and verify required documents. County staff said a clause limiting construction of permanent structures without permits will be reinstated before the lease is signed.

Operators and community supporters urged the board to approve the lease. "Everything that we've done has been for the community and to really reduce liability for the county," said Kim Tegu, who identified herself as a resident and spoke for the track operators. She told commissioners the club offers free youth rides for county residents and has tightened on-site controls since the pandemic to reduce crowding and safety risks.

Davy Gonzalez, executive director of a nonprofit that adapts dirt bikes for riders with spinal cord injuries, told the commissioners his group has used the Leadville track for adaptive camps and urged approval. "The Leadville track is a single best location we've done," Gonzalez said.

Several residents and long-time users also addressed the board during public comment. Eric, who identified himself as a resident of Leadville, told the board the track draws riders who spend locally at gas stations and restaurants, and that closing the facility could push off‑road users onto undeveloped trails.

County staff said they already hold a copy of a current certificate of insurance that runs through June 7 and a certificate of good standing, and staff expect the operators to provide updated documentation prior to execution. Commissioners said they expect county legal review to restore a clause clarifying that the county must approve any new buildings or structures on the site.

As an added community benefit, the operators told the board they plan to open an additional weekday each month—initially organized as a locals-only day—to provide a less-crowded opportunity for youth and local riders. Operators said the extra day will initially be staffed by volunteers or club members and by operators taking unpaid time off; commissioners encouraged the club to consider a formal sublease or operator arrangement if outside help is used.

The lease will be revisited during the county’s October–December review period to assess the arrangement and consider longer-term options, county officials said.

The commissioners approved the motion to authorize county staff and legal to finalize the lease once the conditions are met. The approval was recorded as a formal action on the meeting agenda.

The county and operators agreed to coordinate on logistics before opening, including ensuring event insurance endorsements cover special events, confirming who will operate additional Fridays, and resolving whether a county-held water truck that has been stored at the site will remain there full for fire mitigation.