The Hill BMX Elgin, a nationally-sanctioned track ranked among the top 10 in the U.S. and Canada, will open to the public two days a week under a deal struck with the city of Elgin.
Under the agreement with the Elgin BMX Riders Association, which operates and maintains the track and requires a USA BMX membership to use it, the pilot program returns access to the community for the first time since 2023.
Elgin owns the land on which the BMX track is located — it’s part of the Elgin Sports Complex grounds off McLean Boulevard — but has a contract with the association under which the nonprofit runs the venue. Typically, it’s usually open only during scheduled events.
The track had been available for anyone to use until two years ago, when vandalism and damage done by motorized vehicles led to the area being fenced off, Parks & Recreation Director Jen Hermonson told the Elgin City Council at its Wednesday night meeting.
Because The Hill is USA BMX sanctioned, it must meet elevated standards set by the national organization, including strict rules and regulations to ensure safety and fair competition, Hermonson said.
In order for the public to use it, a $5 fee for residents and $7 for nonresidents will be charged and the city will hire supervisors to monitor riders on days it’s open, she said. A $100 season pass will also be available, with all fees going to the annual $7,750 cost of providing supervision and maintenance.
Public track hours under the pilot program will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.
The parks and recreation department will develop and enforce policies for rider conduct, assist with ongoing track maintenance, and ensure full compliance with USA BMX rules, city officials said. The pilot program will last a year before being reevaluated, Hermonson said.
Its return to public use is something for which some residents had been pushing.
“Happy to hear this is finally getting opened up to the public,” Councilman Corey Dixon said at the meeting.
The Hill is rated the best track in Illinois, Hermonson said, and will be hosting its first state final BMX race this year.
When it opened in 1990, the BMX Riders Association provided 97% of the funding to build it, she said, and association volunteers schedule the weekly practices and races under its agreement with the city.
Elgin has similar operating and maintenance deals with youth baseball teams that use city-owned ball fields.
In addition to operating and maintaining the track, the association provides scholarships and hosts special events to raise money for families in need. It plans to host an open house from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 18.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
