Resident seeks revival of Gananoque BMX track

A Gananoque resident was set to ask council to consider bringing the town’s long-closed BMX track back to life, arguing the facility could play an important role in improving youth recreation, physical activity and social connection.

Schuyler Earl was to present a delegation at Wednesday night’s council meeting urging the town to consider reopening the BMX track at 600 King Street East as part of future budget discussions.

In a letter to council, Earl argues that outdoor recreation opportunities are increasingly important as communities grapple with rising concerns about youth mental health, social isolation and screen time.

“The BMX track provides a vital opportunity for physical activity, social connection, and outdoor recreation for youth in our community and is an asset worth saving,” Earl writes.

Earl’s presentation will go beyond simply reopening the existing track. He was expected to outline a longer-term vision that would see the site redeveloped in phases, beginning with the creation of a pump track designed for bicycles, scooters and other wheeled sports.

According to the proposal, a pump track would offer a highly accessible, low-maintenance recreational amenity while making use of the existing landscape. A second phase could eventually include the addition of a naturalized playground.

The proposal notes that pump tracks have become increasingly common across Ontario, with similar facilities operating in communities including Brockville, Kemptville, Belleville, Carleton Place, Peterborough and Ottawa.

Cost estimates included in the presentation range from approximately $20,000 to $60,000 for a modular track, while larger paved or precast facilities could cost between $150,000 and $500,000 depending on size and design.

Earl suggests a combination of grant funding, sponsorships, community fundraising and municipal contributions could help offset costs. Potential funding sources identified in the proposal include the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, the Canada Community Building Fund and local service clubs.

The BMX track has remained closed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Earl was expected to ask council for additional information on the history of the facility, the reasons it remained closed following the pandemic and whether a path exists toward reopening or redeveloping the site in the future.

As of press time, council was scheduled to hear the delegation during its regular meeting Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

Keith Dempsey is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Brockville Recorder and Times. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.