by James Coulter
The City of Lake Wales is taking first steps towards a new sports and recreation project: its considering the design and construction of a proposed bicycle motocross (BMX) facility.
At their workshop on Wed. Aug. 14, 2025, Lake Wales city commissioners reviewed an agreement with Action Sports Design, LLC for the planning and designing of a proposed BMX facility.
In 2021, city staff conducted a financial study for the feasibility of the city creating a BMX facility. That study revealed the facility would potentially serve “as a hub for sports, recreation, and events that [are] needed in the market.”
Furthermore, the study showed the potential for economic growth and development generated by competitions and other sporting events hosted at the facility.
“The complex [would be] able to approach operational sustainability by year five, requiring a slight operational subsidy. However, SFA believes that there is potential for management/payroll operational efficiencies through utilization of volunteers, which is common in BMX complexes and would improve operational performance,” wrote Stephanie Lutton, Parks & Recreation Director.
The city is considering a proposal by Action Sports Design, LLC to provide “schematic design and master planning vision, design development, and construction documents” for approximately $25,845.50.
City Manager James Slaton claimed BMX was an underserved market in Central Florida and that the proposed BMX facility would potentially be able to tap into that market.
For that reason, city staff have been in conversation with members of the Polk County Tourism & Sports Marketing about the proposal. Visit Central Florida has even extended the offer to become a potential funding partners for the endeavor.
“This will be part of the master plan to expand the multisport complex on Hunt Brothers Road,” Slaton said. “It [the facility] will be a big deal if we have this. It will bring a lot of people to town. The concept is to design this complex so it serves more than BMX…It can be used for locals, not just a facility for competition.”
Commissioner Keith Thompson voiced his approval of the proposed facility, claiming it could potentially generate revenue for the city through sports tourism.
“I think this is exactly the right thing for Lake Wales, looking at these less supported sports tourism opportunities,” he said. “So, this is a great approach that serves Lake Wales very well.”
The Lake Wales City Commission will vote on this agenda item at their next regular meeting scheduled for Tues. Aug 19, 2025, at 6 PM at Lake Wales City Hall.
