Blue Springs BMX Celebrates 40 Years of “Ready, Set, Go”

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. — Since 1984, kids and adults have been jumping dirt hills and racing to the finish line at the Blue Springs BMX track.

This summer, the local organization is celebrating its 40th anniversary. According to track operator Ben Harves, a lot has changed since 1984. He said one of the big changes was updating the track conditions in 2017 by asphalting part of the track, upgrading concessions and facilities and improving the starting gate. It’s a volunteer-run track, so they rely on help from parents and the community as well as attendance funds.

CLAIRE BRADSHAW/KSHB

Another change is not always so visible, but they are constantly working to make it a family-friendly environment and sport.

“It’s a more family-friendly environment now, at least here. We’re trying to create a fun, safe environment where our families can come out and eat a meal at the concessions, which helps the track, dads can ride with their kids, moms can ride with their kids,” Harves said.

Last year, about 600 riders were registered at Blue Springs BMX. According to Harves, that makes them the second largest club in the country and they rank fifth in points.

Olympic athletes have held clinics on the track at Pink Hill Park. With the 2024 Summer Olympics just weeks away, Harves hopes people will watch the professionals on TV and get interested in the growing sport. He said in his experience, it’s a place where kids can fit in.

“Once a kid who might not be comfortable with team sports puts on a helmet, it’s their own individual sport. And a lot of parents love to have us around. So it gives their kids something they can put their heart and soul into,” Harves said.

Blue Springs BMX will be hosting an open house on July 10th from 6pm to 8pm for anyone interested in trying the sport and joining their BMX Riders League. More information can be found here.