BMX Track adding lights
IAN BIVONA | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months, 1 week AGO
The Larson BMX Track is adding light poles to the track, with the project estimated to be completed in mid-September.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/MOSES LAKE BMX
Ian Bivona serves as the Columbia Basin Herald’s sports reporter and is a graduate of Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. He enjoys the behind-the-scenes stories that lead up to the wins and losses of the various sports teams in the Basin. Football is his favorite sport, though he likes them all, and his favorite team is the Jets. He lives in Soap Lake with his cat, Honey. | August 9, 2024 1:30 AM
MOSES LAKE — Soon the Larson BMX Track will be able to extend its racing season, as the track is installing light poles to illuminate the track after the sun begins to set.
The addition of the lights will allow Moses Lake BMX to host races earlier in the spring and later in the fall.
“Everyone’s super excited to have the lights, to be able to run under those this fall and keep growing the track,” Track Operator Jeff Niehenke said. “This is by far and away the biggest project this track has ever seen.”
The project, which costs around $50,000 – $40,000 of which is covered by LTAC grants – is set to be completed in mid-September. Ten poles will be installed, with light fixtures on top of them.
“It’s going to be a well-lit track that will meet our needs and serve future generations of kids and racers,” Niehenke said.
Plenty of business have stepped in to help with the project and limit more costs; Central Machinery Sales donates equipment, CED Moses Lake assisted with lights and electrical materials and PLS Lighting in Spokane Valley, who Niehenke said gave Moses Lake BMX an “incredible price” on the lights.
“Without the support of them, it just wouldn’t be possible – we would be doubling the cost of this project if we had to contract this out,” Niehenke said. “It’s really a community-driven effort to bring all this together.”
Moses Lake BMX’s season opened in mid-March, with races being held Saturday mornings. During the summer, there are two races held weekly on Tuesday and Friday nights. With the lights, there are more options during the spring and fall months.
“We can run mid-week races in the spring and fall now on school nights, instead of just being limited to the weekends,” Niehenke said. “It brings a whole other atmosphere to the track, to be able to race under the lights makes for a lot more enjoyable and fun atmosphere for racing.”
