Staff photo by Fritz Busch Brayden Welckle of New Ulm gets some air duringa warm-up lap at the River Valley BMX track Monday.

NEW ULM — River Valley BMX got another step closer to receiving a zero interest $100,000 loan from the City of New Ulm Monday.

The New Ulm Park and Recreation Commission unanimously approved a proposed license agreement between the City of New Ulm and River Valley BMX to use public park property at the track Monday.

Action came on a motion by Commissioner Jim Jensen, seconded by Jeff Gulden on the loan request for a track safety remodeling. The loan involving Park & Recreation funds would be repaid in 15 years.

The proposal was made by River Valley BMX board member Tallen Wald at a Sept. 17 City Council Work Session.

“It’s for the kids. That’s why we’re here. We’ve been a non-profit organization since 2019. We put all our funds back into the organization,” Wald said.

He said safety improvements include making turns and the track wider, more fencing, lights and a new starting gate for added safety.

“You see kids riding there almost daily. It may be a bit cool, but we’ve even got races tonight. We’ve got a very robust (BMX) club. We had 3,200 attendees at local races generating $50 per person for $162,000 this year. Local funds turn over seven times, creating a $1.1 million economic impact. We had almost 500 riders at state races, spending $150 each for $225,000 locally, creating a $1.6 million economic impact,” said Wald.

“With track remodeling, we hope to get in the Midwest Gold Cup Series that could match the annual $3 million we already generate. We’ve got race fees, concession profits, sponsors and a line of volunteers to take this on,” he said.

Wald said spectators pay no BMX racing admission fees.

“We have quite a few loaner bikes and helmets. They’re free to use the first time. We’re working on an agreement with Mongoose bikes. We expect to see a positive cash flow with more riders on a new track. We’ve had a positive cash flow every year since 2019,” said Wald.

“You guys sure have fun,” said Commissioner Jeff Gulden.

“I think it’s cool for people of all ages,” said Commissioner Jensen.

Wald said a riders this year included a 72-year-old man.

The City owns South German Park which includes the BMX track at 314 3rd St. S. River Valley BMX leases the property and operates races, tournaments and events on the site. The City supports BMX track maintenance.

The track is open for public use outside of race nights and tournament dates.

The New Ulm City Council will consider the loan request.

The Commission unanimously approved a request to light the Hermann Monument fence from Friday, Nov. 29 through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025 from the Hermann Monument Society.

The Society will cover the cost estimated at $1,000 for multiple rows of LED rope lights on the top and bottom fence rail powered by an electrical outlet or solar option with a timer.

“The Hermann Monument is a significant landmark in our community, symbolizing our rich German heritage and serving as a beacon for unity and pride. Illuminating this monument would not only enhance the Christmas atmosphere but also draw attention to the historical and cultural important of this iconic structure,” Hermann Monument Society Executive Director Denise Fischer wrote in a Sept. 26 letter to the Park and Recreation Commission.

A Hermann Monument Feasibility Study update and next steps for monument reconstruction by MacDonald & Mack Architects was unanimously approved.

The New Ulm City Council authorized the city manager to enter into a professional services agreement to prepare a monument feasibility study with the architects Oct. 17, 2023. The State Historical Preservation Office reviewed and approved the study.

“This is a really good first step in a long process,” said Park & Recreation Director Joey Schugel.

“I’m excited to see this progress,” said Commission Chairwoman Carisa Buegler.

Approved donations included $3,600 from the New Ulm Baseball Association for a Mueller Park concrete pad, $1,000 from the Optimist Club for a New Year’s Party at the New Ulm Civic Center, $400 from the Optimist Club for a Civic Center Skate with Santa Event, and a used heavy duty rubber conveyor belt valued at about $200 from MR Paving & Excavating.