Rock Hill’s future BMX track already gaining a national reputation

With a new Riverwalk walking trail, bike trails and a Velodrome already open for business, Rock Hill’s Outdoor Center is set to open a new attraction next year — one that is set to bring a consistent stream of out-of-town visitors to York County.

John David is the Chief Operating Officer of USA BMX, a San Antonio-based organization that sanctions BMX, or Bicycle Motocross tournaments across the country. David met with Rock Hill City Council Thursday and said with the city planning to build the facility there will certainly be athletes and spectators that will come to use — and see — the track.

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Rock Hill City Council have the plan a green light last October — and Thursday City Manager David Vehaun updated council on the project timeline — most of which involves infrastructure like restrooms and locker rooms. David says the city and USA BMX have partnered to help design the track which will likely host upwards of 3-thousand spectators on a given weekend.

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David says his organization now has about 70-thousand members nationwide. There are five BMX tracks across the state now, but David says the Rock Hill facility will allow for beginners and veterans alike to play the sport.

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David says BMX has seen a recent surge in popularity from the London Olympic Games — and the fact that there is only one Supercross facility in the United States — in California — means big things are in store for Rock Hill.

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Vehaun says the Rock Hill facility is already gaining popularity nationwide, well before the first clump of dirt is tossed. Construction on the project is set to get underway in the next 60 to 90 days.