Starting a track?

[Elmerfudd]

Does anyone know what it takes to start a track at a OHV park? There is a OHV park here close by in San Jose/Morgan Hill area called Metcalf. Do you have to get a cetain amount of signatures or go down the the county? I do not see why you could not add a track to Metcalf park. It would only draw more money to the park, way more.

 

[djdoug99]

If it doesn't work out at metcalf you should look for some land down there in that area. I know you would be the only organized off road track. I would definitely come.

 

[Elmerfudd]

Does anyone know about organizing a track?

 

[jetmechG550]

It's not as easy as you might think. Just for the simple fact that the people you are pitching it too prolly aren't into RC or have the slightest clue that you can race these things that they think you get at Toys R Us. Our club track is in a county park but I was not part of it from it's beginnings. I'll say that we are pretty fortunate in that we have a really good relationship with park management. Somethings to keep in mind:
1) Provide an outlet for the kids in the community to hang out and stay off the streets
2) Hosting 1-2 large races a year will help bring some money into the local economy
3) Be ready to say you're going to have insurance and know the costs even if it could possibly be covered by the town/county parks
4) Also be ready to open the checkbook to pay for utilities. Electric, water, etc...
5) Have a list of prospective club members or bring others with you to a meeting to show it's not just you wanting this

 

[djdoug99]

Keep us updated. Let me know if you need me to attend a meeting or anything.

 

[Elmerfudd]

Cool thanks for the info! I will go tomorrow sometime and talk to the Ranger at Metcalf and see what he says. Hopefully it is something good! I will keep you guys posted.

Does anyone know how many members we have that are local to San Jose, CA?

 

[djdoug99]

sweet looking forward to what the ranger has to say.

 

[Elmerfudd]

Ok, spoke to the Ranger. He told me that you are not allowed to use RC cars at the park, but they have been people trying to get the county to open a RC track there. The issue is that we need tons and tons of e-mails sent to www.parkhere.org about wanting a RC track in Metcalf OHV park in California. Give good reasons, like kids out of the street, bring in more money for the county, hold racing events, very inexpensive to make a track...etc. Weather you live here or in NY please send an e-mail that you want a RC track here and just let them know you are local if they ask/request that info!:bandit:

 

[jetmechG550]

What does OHV stand for?

 

[djdoug99]

Off Highway Vehicle - Ill send em an email

 

[jetmechG550]

Seems kinda dumb to have an off highway vehicle park but not allow rc's unless it's completely funded by road and personal property taxes (registrations for atv's and other vehicles).

 

[Elmerfudd]

I do not know how it is funded, but it allows Motorcross,ATV's and other small off road vehicles that are registered with a green or red sticker.

 

[digger]

This is going to sound real stupid or real redneck...

Our flying field is on the county landfill.
The laws that they have it's really a nice place to fly. It is on part that has been reclaimed. The actual landfill is a long way from where we are. I know, coming from someone in WV... But it is real nice.
They don't pay anything for the use of the property. The landfill keeps the road up. They are glad to help. Good for their image I guess?
Do a search for some of the parks that have been put on old landfills. Here is one I found. http://pages.prodigy.net/rhorii/shorline.htm

Might be something to think about?
Good luck.

 

[Elmerfudd]

Thanks digger, never thought of that. I will check it out.

 

[mcstoufer]

And all those nice methane thermals keeping the planes up. My father flies his planes on a dump to and their club couldn't be happier. If a plane really crashes, it is already disposed of.

ElmerFudd,
I am currently in talks with the Oakland Parks & Rec department about getting a track built on P&R land. At first they were hesitant, but after a few face-to-face meetings with the decision makers, we are starting to gain some ground. I think they bought into it once they saw we were serious about developing programs for at-risk youth as well as building a facility that FAMILY oriented.
If you'd like, I can send you a Site Plan we wrote up as well as a description of the programs we are looking to hold at the site (some will come after the site is established and pulling a few $$$ to cover leases and expenses.)