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.
