Chairman Charles Hines asked about the level
of involvement that would be expected from
the nonprofit group that has been managing
the track, Sarasota BMX.
Carolyn Brown, director of the county's Parks
and Recreation Department, replied that she
would be back before the board in October
with a comprehensive review of Sarasota
BMX's business plan as part of the organiza-
tion's lease renewal process for the facility.
"This is now going to be something that's going
to attract people from all across the country,"
Hines pointed out of the track, where the
county will be installing new 5- and 8-meter
ramps, a starting gate system and upgraded
lighting and drainage. The track itself will be
reconfigured as well.
Hines questioned whether the nonprofit group
would be required to help cover some of the
expense or share more of the maintenance costs,
"other than us just building this and then turn-
ing it over to them without some conditions."
"They're a very good group to work with,"
Brown assured him.
An aerial view shows the BMX track on 17th Street in Sarasota. Image courtesy Sarasota County
Sarasota News Leader April 4, 2014 Page 56
