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New BMX bike park in Corbin nearly complete
Posted On 21 Apr 2010
Corbin’s Director of Parks and Recreation Marlon Sams believes you’ve got to be progressive to flourish.
To that end, the city is just about a week away from having one of the area’s first BMX bike parks. The track, which will be located near the intersection of Wilson and Hamlin Streets is the latest offering to kids and adults who may be interested in less traditional sports and leisure activities.
"It’s a quality of life issue for people who live here," Sams said. "Not everybody plays ball. Some people ride bikes or skateboard. … I think the more things we have for people to do, the more people will come into our town. You have to be progressive."
Work began on the bike park last week and Sams says it should be completed within a week’s time. Dirt for the project was donated and the city’s Parks and Recreation and Publics Works Departments are providing the labor. The entire project is expected to cost around $500.
In 2007, the city completed a skateboard park that could also be used by bicyclists. Sams said that arrangement became too dangerous so bicycles were subsequently banned from the skatepark.
"We were having to go over there to the skatepark and tell them to leave. I hated that because they don’t really have anywhere else to go," Sams said. "This will be for BMX bikes only so we are giving them a place to ride.
Sams said a local man interested in the sport is helping design the course. It will consist of a banked track and dirt mound ramps.
Corbin Mayor Willard McBurney said improved recreation facilities in the city have been an important issue to him during his first term in office. He added that some focus on non-traditional sports has added to the attraction Corbin may have to those wanting to visit or live here. Since he was elected, a Frisbee golf course, skateboard park and now BMX park have been constructed.
"Everybody’s kicks isn’t football or baseball or basketball. Times have changed a lot," McBurney said. "Those sports are important but people like to do other things as well. We had room for this so we thought we would put it too good use. I think people will really enjoy it."
The BMX bike park will be located next to relatively new basketball court the city constructed.
"Recreation is a big part of our infrastructure … The more facilities we have in this town the better. I think to be able to construct something like this at such a minimal cost is a no-brainer."
McBurney said he hopes facilities like the BMX park and skatepark entices children to get outside more, as well as promote tourism in the area. He said it is common to see people from nearby counties using facilities in Corbin.
Sams said once the park is open it will be open daily until 11:00 p.m.
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shut up parks are good for the kids so u probably did worse as a kid
Bubba. Find me a 3 br 2 bath house for 400 a month, and I will gladly move! Until then, Shut up. Or come move in my place and let it get broken into and your tv, computers, jewelry among many other things get stolen while you are hard at work. The reason I live here is the lack of options for my budget in the Corbin Area. May I come move in with you?
Wedding dresses??? Go advertise somewhere else moron! This is for comments, not for ads….
And Wilson Street….why do you live there if its so nasty of a street….just move idiot! Kids will be kids…and someone will always complain about it. There are TONS of apartments and houses for rent…very cheap too…alllllllll over Corbin. Its been my experience that apartments attract more problems than skate parks do. Maybe that’s the problem……renters.
Trailer on Wilson Street? Think again Goober, Just a few houses and apartments on Wilson Street!
So this is about the lack of law enforcement in your area…..because trust me, your not in the only bad part of Corbin….there are plenty of places where crimes take place around here. So complain to the cops…it’s not Marlon’s problem. Or maybe you should just sell your trailer and leave Corbin. We don’t need any more negativity here.
So this is about the lack of law enforcement in your area…..because trust me, your not in the only bad part of Corbin….there are plenty of places where crimes take place around here. So complain to the cops…it’s not Marlon’s problem. Or maybe you should just sell your trailer and leave Corbin. We don’t need any more negativity here.
Have your home and cars broken into because of these “great kids” Who need something to do and see how you feel about it. Park your vehicles over here for about 2 days and see how long it takes for your window to be bashed out and your stereo get stolen. Everyone on Wilson street has something to complain about.
There is always someone against just about anything. This is a great idea and a few negative people should not be listened to.
So what are the kids supposed to do around here?? its not like there is a lot to do in Corbin…I think its a great idea to have a place for kids to hang out and ride bikes and boards. At least someone cares about the kids around here! Thanks!
Wilson street…..shut up and go smoke another marlboro !
You must be the old bat that complains about everything over there. Get over it.
Just lovely. As if we don’t have enough kids from the skate park stealing and breaking into everything around here, Now we add to it with this??? Hello Marlon, Don’t you think your parks have been vandalized enough???????!!!!