The Oceanside BMX organization continues efforts to get their 2022 season going.
But vandals have been spoiling any progress they have made to get the Erik Goetzinger BMX Park in Qualicum Beach race ready.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 disappointing,B次元官网网址� said Katelyn Alexander, one of the volunteers of the club. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e a volunteer-based group and weB次元官网网址檝e been working so hard to get the BMX season started. And every time we worked on the track, someone has either gone on it when our signs says itB次元官网网址檚 closed or somebody has been riding dirt bikes on it and ruining all the work that weB次元官网网址檝e done. So our season is now a month behind because we canB次元官网网址檛 get the track ready.B次元官网网址�
The club normally begins the season in mid-April. They hold their club events every Tuesday night.
The club was severely impacted by COVID-19. Last year they were able to host just a number of club events but missed out on the major races, a huge source of their funding to pay for the maintenance of the park.
B次元官网网址淲hatever funds we get, and we do get some grants sometimes, we put it into the track,B次元官网网址� said Alexander. B次元官网网址淲hen it gets ruined we have to buy more. When our season is going, we sell stuff from our concession stands and thatB次元官网网址檚 the only income the track has. So when we have to keep fixing things it cuts away from our budget.B次元官网网址�
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Vandals have painted graffiti on a moto shed and destroyed the bleachers with some of the wood removed and used to start fires on the site.
B次元官网网址淧eople just keep ignoring the signs that indicate the track is closed and to stay away from certain sections,B次元官网网址� said Alexander. B次元官网网址淭heyB次元官网网址檙e ripping the signs down, theyB次元官网网址檙e building jumps on it. ItB次元官网网址檚 really frustrating.B次元官网网址�
The rider staging area poles that separate the riders have been pulled out of their base, she said, with the start hill also full of graffiti.
B次元官网网址淲e have to paint over them because theyB次元官网网址檙e painting profanities and inappropriate pictures,B次元官网网址� said Alexander. B次元官网网址淲e have kids racing there.B次元官网网址�
Alexander said the club lost majority of its volunteers due to COVID-19. A few devoted ones remain, she said, four to eight at a time that have come out to help on the track.
B次元官网网址淲e did a lot of work so itB次元官网网址檚 heartbreaking,B次元官网网址� said Alexander. B次元官网网址淲hen you spend so many hours then you come back and see all the work destroyed.B次元官网网址�
Alexander indicated if they canB次元官网网址檛 get the track in racing shape, they might have to cancel events including the Vancouver Island Championships Series slated for July. She wants users to keep off the track if itB次元官网网址檚 wet due to rain and to avoid certain sections.
B次元官网网址淚t causes severe damage that needs to be fixed and harder to maintain,B次元官网网址� said Alexander. B次元官网网址淲e want people to enjoy the track but please do not take motorized vehicles there. Respect the area. Take your garbage and donB次元官网网址檛 damage stuff.B次元官网网址�
The club is now seeking financial help to repair the damages. It has sought funding assistance from the Oceanside Recreation Services Grants Program in the amount of $2,500.
Alexander is also inviting those interested in joining the Oceanside BMX to check their Facebook page at
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