Placement: New Business
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Hear Options for BMX Facility Operational Structure
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Submitted By: Zakariya M. Sherman, Executive Project Manager, Parks and Recreation
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal to enjoy culture, nature and fun activities.
Executive Summary (General Business): The purpose of this agenda item is to engage the City Council in a discussion regarding the operational model for the new All-Wheel Adaptive BMX Racetrack currently under construction. This checkpoint will allow Council to review key options, consider programming and revenue strategies, and help guide how the facility will be staffed and managed long-term to ensure community access, high usage, and financial sustainability.
Presentation Information: Brad Keen, Director, Parks & Recreation
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council select a preferred operational model for the new All-Wheel Adaptive BMX Racetrack, choosing between Option 1, a hybrid model in partnership with a 501(c)(3) organization that would handle sanctioned events, or Option 2, a full City operation.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and select a preferred operational model for the new All-Wheel Adaptive BMX Racetrack, choosing between Option 1, a hybrid model in partnership with a 501(c)(3) organization that would handle sanctioned events, or Option 2, a full City operation.
2. Move that the Council reject both options and provide staff with direction.
Background: On July 10, 2023, the City contracted with Action Sports Design to lead the design of the BMX facility in Tradition Regional Park. Following completion of the design, the City Council approved a construction contract on June 23, 2025, also awarded to Action Sports Design, to oversee the buildout of the project. Construction is expected to take approximately four months, weather permitting.
To prepare for operational planning and long-term management, staff conducted site visits to several BMX tracks across Florida, including Okeeheelee BMX in Palm Beach County, the nation’s top-ranked track, and Oldsmar BMX Supercross Track, home to an Olympic-caliber track. Additional visits to high-performing tracks in Austin, San Antonio, and Houston, Texas, were completed in July to evaluate various operating structures, staffing models, and programming approaches.
Two primary management models have emerged: (1) a hybrid model in partnership with a 501(c)(3) organization that would handle sanctioned racing and related programming, and (2) a fully City-operated model. Unlike most BMX facilities nationwide, which limit access to sanctioned events, the City’s track is designed as an all-wheel adaptive facility that will be open to the public during non-sanctioned event hours. This unique approach will provide a regional amenity serving a wide range of users-including bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and more-while also creating consistent revenue opportunities to support long-term financial sustainability.
Issues/Analysis: The decision on the operational structure will determine how the facility is staffed, programmed, and sustained over the long term. A hybrid partnership with a 501(c)(3) reduces City staffing needs slightly, and incorporates volunteer involvement, but the partner organization would receive nearly all revenue from USA BMX-sanctioned races and programming. A fully City-operated model ensures direct oversight, consistent service delivery, and alignment with City recreation priorities, though it requires a larger staffing commitment. Under this model, the City would also retain all revenues generated by the facility.
The facility is expected to achieve high community use, generate meaningful revenue through rentals, programming, and special events, and distinguish Port St. Lucie as home to one of the nation’s first publicly accessible all-wheel adaptive BMX tracks.
Financial Information: Construction of the All-Wheel Adaptive BMX Racetrack was approved by City Council on June 23, 2025, and is funded through the FY25 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Parks & Recreation Department. Operational funding will depend on the management model selected by Council: Option 1 (Hybrid Model with 501(c)(3)): The City would fund general site operations and oversight through the Parks & Recreation Department, General Fund. The partner organization would administer USA BMX‑sanctioned programming and retain related revenues; however, City staff would still need to be present during sanctioned events to support safety, facility oversight, coordination and maintenance. Option 2 (Full City Operation): Operating costs, including 6-10 staff positions, utilities, and maintenance, would be budgeted within the Parks & Recreation Department, General Fund.
Special Consideration: Construction of the BMX facility is underway with an anticipated completion timeline of approximately four months, weather permitting. Operational planning needs to proceed now to recruit and train staff, finalize agreements, and prepare programming in time for opening. Delay in selecting a management model could impact the City’s ability to have the facility fully staffed and programmed upon completion.
Location of Project: Tradition Regional Park 13120 SW Tradition Parkway, Port St. Lucie 34987
Business Impact Statement: N/A
Attachments:
1. USA BMX Operational Plan Presentation
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: N/A
Legal Sufficiency Review:
N/A