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Weston County recreation board delays approval of autocross event after safety and insurance concerns
Summary
The Weston County Recreation Board discussed a proposed autocross car event at the school parking lot, raising questions about parking, spectator safety, access for emergency vehicles and outstanding insurance paperwork; the item was tabled to the next meeting.
The Weston County Recreation Board on March 12 discussed plans for an autocross car club event that would use the high school parking lot and pit area, but postponed a final decision after board members raised safety and insurance concerns.
Board members and community organizers described a proposed layout that would use the entire parking lot, move the pit area near the football field and add mobile barriers and security staffing. The board tabled the item to the next meeting and directed organizers to provide required insurance and legal paperwork before the March 12 meeting; without that paperwork the proposal will not proceed.
Why it matters: The proposal would temporarily repurpose school property and could affect student drop-off areas, the bus loop and access to school buildings. Board members emphasized preserving emergency vehicle access and avoiding damage to school grounds while balancing community recreation and fundraising opportunities.
Organizers and board members discussed crowd control and vehicle routing. Visitor Chuck Bartlett, who presented the layout to the board, said the plan includes “a security fence put across there so nobody have access into where the autocross is” and that “we will have guards back over here, making sure that only the autocross cars get into the park the pit area.” He also said event organizers expect to bus some attendees to reduce on-site parking demand and will attempt to secure off-site lots.
Board and rec-board members questioned whether the course could be positioned to keep vehicles at safe distances from buildings. Bartlett said the track layout would include curves that limit straightaway speed and estimated top speeds of “40 to 50 miles an hour,” adding that track setup would likely keep the course “30, 40 feet away from the curb and gutter” near the pool area.
Concerns raised included the potential for spectators or vehicles to occupy grassy areas and sidewalks, tents being pitched on school grounds, and the need to ensure emergency fire access. Rec-board member Pam Gualteri said the organizers intended to post rules on the district website and to enlist security and volunteers to “make sure nobody's parking on the grassy areas and redirect and let them know where parking's at.” She said organizers would also approach nearby property owners to request use of additional parking.
The recreation board voted to move consideration of the autocross item to the next meeting and approved an amended agenda. Board members asked district officials and event organizers to deliver a complete set of insurance and legal documents before the March 12 meeting; one board member said plainly, “If we have it before the twelfth. Otherwise, it's dead in the water.”
The board discussed logistics for course setup and access, including leaving mobile barriers in place to permit emergency vehicle access and gate locking procedures for contractors who require entry to the site. Organizers and board members agreed to schedule a Zoom meeting with the track organizer to address outstanding items and to coordinate a final plan prior to the next rec-board meeting.
The item remains tabled pending receipt of the requested documentation and a clarified site plan.
