bensalem announcement/track closing

December 13, 2006

Track Future Plans
posted by Dave_Fiedler at 12:05 AM

IMPORTANT NEWS TO ALL TRACK RIDERS AND FAMILIES:

For years Bensalem BMX has been the subject of rumors the track would close. While just that–rumors–they fed off the fact that the track operates on property belonging to someone else. In this case the party is Township of Bensalem.
Although, as a township department head, I’ve known for some time the township in all likelihood would need the BMX site for other purposes, it was officially confirmed during the Dec. 11, 2006 Township Meeting, wherein the mayor’s budget was presented to and approved by Council. This budget provides for several major capital projects including construction of an Emergency Services Training Facility to be located on the current BMX site. The mayor specifically commented that the BMX track would be closed.
As you may have heard me announce, or read in the newspaper, the PA Turnpike is constructing a slip ramp directly to and from Street Road that will also impact the overall footprint where the track is located.
While it is bad news that the track will be closed, there is a silver lining in the cloud. The township has agreed to give Bensalem BMX a final year of operation in 2007. We should be able to run most, if not all, of a traditional season before the bulldozers arrive to begin site preparation. The township estimates demolition of the track would not begin until late in the year.
The decision to condemn the site is permanent and will not change. Unfortunately, since there has not recently been a critical mass of Bensalem residents (currently less than 10 with some of those inactive) the opportunity for me to have made a cogent case to relocate the track elsewhere in town was impossible. The problem is compounded by the fact Bensalem has very limited open land under municipal control. In fact, had there been other land readily available, it may not have been necessary for the township to access the BMX site for constructing the EMS facility.
Bensalem BMX has enjoyed a rich 25-year history with several ABA National and Redline events to its credit. Some seasons have been better than others, and to be sure the past two or three years have not exactly been stellar in comparison to seasons that came before.
Regardless, let’s make 2007â€â€Â￾the track’s final season–a memorable and fun year, one we can go our separate ways remembering fondly. As we lead up to what will be the final races in October or November, let’s reach out to our alumni and try to get them to return for a homecoming weekend.
It will be sad to say goodbye to the “beast of the east,” but let’s send him (or her) out in style. I expect to have the 2007 schedule out in February, so be on the lookout for it here on our site.
On a personal note, I came to Bensalem BMX with my son in 1986. My son is long gone from the sport. I never left. BMX racing is a fine program for kids, and I am proud to have been part of it for 20 years. Hopefully I’ve made a positive contribution to the lives of the many families and young people that have passed through our gates. I will miss it.
Thank you volunteers for your support through the years, and to everyone in advance for joining us during this Bensalem BMX’s final season.
My best to you and your families during the upcoming holidays. May your Christmas be merry, your Hanukah happy and your New Year one of health and prosperity.
Sincerely,
Dave Fiedler – Track Operator – Bensalem BMX
Manager, Community Affairs – Bensalem Township