*** Vandals And Thieves Hit BMX Track Hard ***
New Zealand -- 03/09/2008
http://www.stuff.co.nz/images/704831.jpg
Photo - Papakura BMX Club president Bryan Scott says the club
is considering relocating or fencing in its Red Hill track because
of theft, vandalism, violence and intimidation.
Papakura BMX Club members are considering fencing in their Red Hill
track or relocating because of ongoing vandalism, theft, intimidation
and violence.
Club president Bryan Scott says the track is being hit "harder and
harder".
Riders have also been attacked and had objects
thrown at them while cycling around the track.
Mr Scott says vandals attack the track about twice a week.
As well as graffiti and damage to buildings and seating,
vandals have tried to set fire to the commentary tower.
And about $9000 worth of equipment was taken in
two burglaries over the past month, Mr Scott says.
Thieves also use standover tactics on riders and
have pushed them off their bikes, he says.
The club is talking about relocating or fencing the track in.
But Mr Scott says fencing the track "stops the locals using it and kills
it".
The track is on Papakura District Council-owned land and mayor
Calum Penrose is concerned about the prospect of losing it. "Once
we start losing places like this in Red Hill we take a backwards step
"We want things for our kids to do in Red Hill."
Vandals who damage the track are "tra****ng their own backyard",
he says.
Mr Penrose says there are other things for youngsters to do
in the area such as joining the Papakura Army Cadet unit.
The Red Hill Community Centre, which will include a theatre
and climbing wall, will be built on the other side of Dominion
Rd from the track.
Geneb...Wenatchee,Wa****ngton-USA
All Things Northwest in BMX!
***** Gene`s BMX *****
http://www.genesbmx.com
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