Grand opening of county’s improved BMX track planned for Saturday, Aug. 27

Event will begin at 10 a.m. at the Youth Athletic Complex

Image courtesy Sarasota County
Image courtesy Sarasota County

All members of the community are invited to the grand opening celebration at the BMX track at the Sarasota County Youth Athletic Complex, set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, the county has announced.

The complex is located at 1590 N. Tuttle Ave. in Sarasota. Parking will be available at several locations within the complex, including the Cal Ripken baseball park and Ed Smith Stadium, a news release notes.

The free family-friendly event will feature an opening ceremony and a ribbon-cutting, BMX demonstrations, refreshments and other activities to mark the completion of Sarasota County’s $2.4-million renovation of the facility, the news release says.

The project was designed to improve “one of Sarasota County’s most valued sports facilities” by enhancing or rebuilding many of the park’s amenities. The project included reconfiguration of the track, new 5-and 8-meter starting hills, a new starting gate system, upgraded lighting and drainage, and new landscaping.

“This project reinforces Sarasota County’s growing reputation as a sports destination, and we look forward to continually welcoming competitors from around the nation and the world,” said County Administrator Tom Harmer in the release. “Multiple county departments and community partners worked diligently to bring this project to completion, and we’re honored to share this renovated facility with everyone.”

The original BMX track, which was built in 1974,” has positively impacted generations of Sarasota County kids and families, in addition to many visitors,” the release continues. The facility has welcomed national and international competitions, the release notes. It is maintained by a volunteer parents group whose children’s lives “have been transformed by the spirit of BMX competition,” the release adds.

For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net.