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Red Cedar Speedway presents several sound-mitigation options to Dunn County committee
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Summary
Red Cedar Speedway representatives outlined possible noise-reduction approaches — earth berms, HD EcoWall recycled-rubber panels, wood signage with shrubbery, and aluminum deflection panels — and said they will return with firm pricing; committee members asked about effectiveness, siting, and maintenance.
Representatives for Red Cedar Speedway updated the Dunn County Facilities Committee on plans to address noise from weekly racing events and asked the committee for guidance on preferred mitigation approaches.
Mark (identified in the meeting as the presenter) said the speedway worked with acoustical consultant Travis Gorsuch of Gorsuch Performance Solutions to develop options. The group described four approaches discussed with the consultant: constructing a large earth berm around the track, installing HD EcoWall modular panels made from recycled tires (sound-absorbing rubber panels that come in 10-foot sections), installing wooden signage-style absorption walls (which could be monetized with sponsorships), or using aluminum panels that would primarily deflect sound.
Mark said wood-backed walls provide both absorption and deflection while aluminum tends to deflect sound similarly to existing fencing; he described a likely installation height of roughly 10–12 feet above the current fence at the corners, and noted shrubbery or low evergreen plantings (3–5 ft) could be used at corner locations to increase absorption and provide a surface to place signage above. The presenter said some options are easier to install and maintain than others and that the group expects to perform much of the labor locally; the speedway plans to obtain cost estimates and return to the committee with pricing.
Supervisors questioned the practicalities: whether a 3–5 ft planting would materially reduce sound (one supervisor referenced an acoustical engineer indicating much larger vegetative buffers are required), how close materials could be placed behind the existing cement retaining wall and track fence, who would handle long-term maintenance, and potential impacts on other park uses and fair events. Speedway representatives said they expect to be responsible for maintenance, intend to phase the project for cost reasons, and will work with parks staff on siting to avoid interfering with concerts or other uses.
No formal action was taken; staff and the speedway agreed to return with price estimates and additional technical information.
