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Volunteers keep Grand Forks BMX track running; officials outline maintenance needs
Summary
On the City Chatter podcast Vice President Danny Weigel described thousands of volunteer hours keeping the BMX track operational, explained a clay base with imported topsoil and a polymer glue regimen, and cited community programs that supply free bikes and helmets for kids.
Danny Weigel described the volunteer effort that sustains Grand Forks’ BMX track and explained the materials and labor required to keep it race-ready.
Weigel, who volunteers and whose son races, said the track uses a clay base covered by sandier topsoil imported from Minnesota and protected by a polymer glue applied in multiple passes. "We go probably about 2,000 gallons of glue a year, mixed with water," he said, describing three glue applications at the beginning, midseason and end of the season and spring handwork to re-surface the course. Volunteers also provide free bikes and helmets so children who cannot afford equipment can try the sport, he said.
Organizers emphasized BMX as an inclusive family sport and credited thousands of volunteer hours for the track’s growth and ability to host large events (Weigel referenced weekends with hundreds of riders, many from out of state). The track maintenance plan and volunteer model mean volunteers must reclaim and rework the surface each spring before gluing and racing resumes.
Weigel said local interest in youth-sports coaching and civic volunteerism remains high; no council action was recorded on the podcast regarding funding or formal city support for the track.
