Proposed motocross park heads to commission

Two Gardnerville dirtbike enthusiasts are putting their big dreams to the test before park and recreation commissioners on May 5 and county commissioners on May 7.

On Friday, Steve Brown and Harvie Keith of Nevada Motocross Park, LLC, said they're seeking approval of a parks use application to transform 15-20 acres of vacant county land off Pinenut Road, across from the fairgrounds, into a temporary motocross park.

"I've been riding since I was a little guy," said Brown. "It's been my passion my whole life, and I want to give back to the sport that's been so good to me. This will create a safe, controlled riding area for people to bring their families and their bikes."

Keith said it's better to have a professional track than to have kids riding around in uncontrolled areas, such as the sand pits in the Gardnerville Ranchos.

"We're looking to serve the motocross community," he said.

Both men said the parks application would apply to the construction of a temporary track with man-made obstacles, jumps and turns.

"It would be just under a mile, and would incorporate a lot of natural terrain," Brown said. "Other improvements would be grading, a pit area, parking and proper fencing."

Brown said if the application is approved and the track constructed, they would schedule six test events for this summer, including four local races for amateur riders and two professional racing competitions with cash prizes.

"We're testing the suitability of the parcel," said Bill Chernock, executive director of the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Authority.

Chernock said the visitors authority is behind the project and helped spearhead the application.

"If you look at who these folks are, they drive over in big trucks with bikes and helmets, fuel and gear, and they are very attractive customers," Chernock said. "They have discretionary income and are very committed to their sport. They are a good customer to bring to town."

Brown said two potential concerns of the public may be dust and noise. But he said the track will be laid out in such a way, including plenty of berms and straw bales, to curtail noise. He also said dust will not be an issue, as professional-quality tracks are regularly watered.

Keith added that no one will be allowed to ride their dirtbikes or all-terrain vehicles to the park.

"There will be no ride-in or ride-out privileges," he said. "And kids will have to have an adult or a waiver to enter."

"We're determined to be good neighbors," Brown said. "This track will change the community. It will bring people out of California. Currently, people leave Nevada to race in California. If we create this park, they'll be spending their money in Douglas County."

Brown said if the summer events are successful, and longer approval granted, they'll begin establishing more infrastructure.

"We'll just take it from there," he said. "There are a lot of riders in this area."

Douglas County Community Services Director Scott Morgan said that motocross is usually allowed at the fairgrounds, but said that moving it a little further away to the vacant lot would benefit neighbors.

"It will have less of an impact on the neighborhood," Morgan said on Monday.

He said 850 people have received notices about the proposal. He said if the park is approved, residents would be invited back to public hearings after the summer, to evaluate the suitability of continued use on the parcel.

The item is scheduled to be reviewed at the parks and recreation commission meeting 6 p.m. May 5 at the senior center, 2300 Meadow Lane, Gardnerville. It will then be heard at the May 7 county commission meeting, which begins at 1 p.m. in the county administrative building, 1616 Eighth Street, Minden.