Prospective operators outline plans to modernize Mount Elbert Motocross Track; county, current operators discuss transfer

Prospective operators Tanner Tyson and Brian presented a plan to the Lake County Board of County Commissioners to modernize operations at the Mount Elbert Motocross Track and expand access for families and beginner riders.

The operators said the main motocross course is largely ready and they are reconstructing and expanding the track for children and beginners so the facility can better serve families and novices. "We've got a new layout kinda cut in," Brian said, describing work already under way to prepare the kids' track for next season.

Why it matters: the commissioners and county staff flagged two issues that determine whether the new operator group can secure grant funding and insurance: (1) whether the group takes over the existing nonprofit that currently holds the operating agreement, and (2) how long the county will grant operating tenure. County staff said the current operating agreement runs through May; prospective operators said that multi-year tenure would make grant funding more feasible.

Details of the proposal and transfer options

- Transfer options: the group described three paths: the current nonprofit could vote to make the new operators the governing officers; the current nonprofit could dissolve and the new operators could receive donated assets; or the new operators could form their own nonprofit and request a new operating agreement with the county. The presenters said they have formed a new entity and hold a certificate of good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State but prefer to take over the existing organization if its board will approve the change.

- Assets and donations: Kim, a current operator, told the board the plan includes distributing equipment and some cash from the existing nonprofit to the new operator group. "The plan is to distribute all the assets to them from our Mount Albert to their Mount Albert," Kim said.

Grants, nonprofit status and insurance

Presenters and county staff discussed nonprofit classification (501(c)(3) charitable versus 501(c)(7) membership club) and grant eligibility. The operators warned that "nobody writes a grant for a brand new nonprofit," adding that a grant writer had told them an organization typically needs a year of IRS filings to be competitive. County counsel confirmed filings for past nonprofit claims were inconsistent and advised the operators to coordinate their structure with counsel.

County staff also noted that the length of the operating agreement affects the ability to obtain grants: "If it's a 1 year agreement, nobody's gonna write a grant on that either," a county official said.

Operations, safety and modernization plans

The operator group said they plan to expand days open by using online waivers, day-pass sales, smart locks and temporary gate codes so visitors can access the track when no staff are present. They described plans to text or email proof of payment and gate codes and to use wireless cameras and signage to monitor compliance. "We're gonna try to build a website and try to do online waivers and online payment," the group said.

They proposed keeping weekend operations fully prepped, making Friday a local day, and scheduling family- or youth-focused sessions (for example, monthly "Kids Tuesdays"). They recommended split practice times be adjusted so small-bike/children practice would occur on a larger beginner track rather than mixing with more experienced riders.

Safety and enforcement

County commissioners emphasized the need for a written safety plan, signage, a waiver system, and a protocol for handling trespassing and rule violations if the site operates with limited on-site staff. Commissioners suggested a camera feed that could be shared with the sheriff's dispatch if enforcement assistance is needed. The operators said volunteers and members could help police compliance.

Zoning, camping and facilities

Operators asked whether an operator RV could be permitted on site for staff stays. County staff said overnight camping depends on zoning and current policy; the existing operating agreement prohibits public overnight camping and the county must verify whether operator camping is allowed by zoning.

Agreement duration, assignment clause and next steps

County staff identified an assignment clause that would allow current operators to assign the agreement to a new entity with county approval. Commissioners said longer-term agreements (several years) are more likely to support fundraising and capital investment than one-year terms, though they acknowledged there may need to be annual reviews during the transition. County staff said they will work with the operators' counsel and monitor that insurance, safety plans and any special-event insurance are in place.

What remains unresolved

- Whether the current nonprofit board will vote to transfer the operating agreement to the new operator group; presenters said they were uncertain whether that would happen. - Whether the county will approve a multi-year operating agreement or insist on a one-year transitional term. - Final details on insurance, special-event coverage, camping/zoning for operator RVs, and formal documentation of any donated assets.

Board response and timeline

Commissioners thanked the presenters and encouraged the group to continue work on the operating agreement, insurance and a safety plan. The operators said they will start drafting an updated operating agreement, coordinate with county counsel and provide a calendar of events and draft safety materials as requested.