Proposal

for a dirt trails summer construction project in Fowlerville’s Community Park---Summer 2003

for BMX.

I. Dirt trails summer construction project in Fowlerville’s Community Park—a general description.

II. Phase I.

a. large dirt moving.

b. shaping.

c. final touches/testing.

d. inaguration.

e. maintenance/preparation for Phase II.

III. Phase II.

a. planning/design.

b. large dirt moving.

c. shaping/final touches/testing.

d. summer competition.

e. maintenance.

IV. Project requirements.

V. Design, building and supervising team.

I. The One and Only BMX Dirt Trails Project is sponsored and created by David and Andrée Weimer, residents of Fowlerville who are experienced in organizing events and activities for the urban sports and for the enthusiasts who practice them.

In Fowlerville, we see a simple need and have a simple proposal. We propose to organize, oversee, plan, supervise and carry out a summer BMX dirt trails construction project in the Community Park in Fowlerville. Outlined in this paper are the details. Key points in this proposal are its direct involvement of local BMX enthusiasts in all aspects of the project and a design that addresses the three main skill divisions—beginner, intermediate and advanced.

Returning to Fowlerville in December 2002 from France, David and Andrée saw something immediately: a lot of BMX riders, skateboarders and inline skaters. There was, and is, no existing structure in this community to support their activities.

David and Andrée created a non-profit organization in France, DREAM EXTREME, through which they organized events, donated equipment and built a public skate park for a municipality in Southern France.

We require almost nothing from the Village of Fowlerville aside from the moral support of its leaders. We are experienced in working with urban sports enthusiasts and are qualified and prepared to do all that we propose.

A plan exists to completely renovate the Community Park in the future. We propose to build BMX dirt trails in a currently unused section of the park. These trails will be built under our supervision and will host two planned events this summer—an inauguration with a ”jam session” and a summer competition.

When the Community Park is renovated, these dirt trails can be destroyed and the “summer project” concluded. During the course of the dirt trails project and for as long as the trails exist, we will arrange for their maintenance and upkeep. This is our proposal and our promise.

This is a grass roots effort. Orderly, carefully planned, supervised and responsibly done, this summer dirt trails project will invite any interested BMX enthusiast to become a part of what we’re doing. The trails will be free and open to the public.

image: BMX trails discussion meeting in the Community Park, Saturday, June 7, 2003 with (L-R) Chris Schaffier, David Weimer, Ryan U’Ren, William Pittman, Jeff Zumbach, Calvin McFarlin and Chris Cassel

Fowlerville’s Double O BMX Dirt Trails Project—Summer 2003

II. Phase I: estimated duration 3 weeks (mid-June to mid-July)

a) Large Dirt Moving. “Harvesting” of dirt from the proposed location of trails in the Community Park and redepositing and shaping of large dirt forms using a “Bobcat,” a front-end loader and a grader.

1. Double O BMX Trails Project members will supervise and direct the placement of dirt in accordance with the dirt trails design.

2. Rough placement of the dirt using heavy equipment will take no more than four days.

3. Double O dirt trails project team members will be the only people permitted to work when the heavy equipment is present. There will be adult supervision at all times during this stage of construction.

b) Shaping. Rough shaping of dirt trails forms using shovels, rakes, picks, hoes, wheelbarrows and other hand tools.

1. Double O project supervisors will oversee and direct this activity.

2. Volunteers from Fowlerville’s BMX riding community are invited and welcome to assist Double O supervisors.

3. Refreshments will be provided for volunteers and project members (coolers with orange drink, water, soda, etc.)

4. Gloves, hand tools, first aid kit will be provided by Double O project members and project organizers, David and Andrée Weimer.

c) Final touches/testing. Finishing touches and trail check: Smoothing and testing of jump angle, reception and safety aspects of trails.

1. Dirt trails designers and the most experienced BMX riders on the Double O project’s staff will oversee and supervise this important activity. The dirt trails will not be opened for public use until this quality control step is complete.

2. Placement of a sign and opening the trails for public use.

d) Inauguration of the Double O Dirt Trails.

1. One week following the completion of Phase I, an inauguration will be held on Saturday, 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

2. Representatives of the Village of Fowlerville (Parks and Recreation Committee) will be invited, along with Double O project supervisors, project volunteers, interested community members and the print media, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. A few words will be said; volunteers and project workers will be recognized; a demonstration of BMX will “kick off” a “jam session” where all riders are invited to use the trails.

3. A permit for amplified music will be applied for, as there will be local bands playing live music and demonstrations of graffiti, flatland BMX, inline hockey, juggling, etc.

4. No charge or fee will be required. This project is free to all and open to the public. It is organized, overseen and carried out by the Double O BMX Dirt Trails Project creators, David and Andrée Weimer, along with a core construction/design/supervising team and a host of volunteers.

e) Maintenance/preparation for Phase II.

1. A minimum of twice during the week and once a day on the weekend, a project team member will inspect and repair the Double O Dirt Trails.

2. These project supervisors, along with project creator, David Weimer, will meet with BMX riders to discuss the Phase II expansion of the trails.

3. Experience with the existing trails layout, combined with a ‘master plan’ for the completed dirt trails, will guide the modifications and improvements that will be made. A timeline will be produced and arrangements made for starting Phase II.

Fowlerville’s Double O BMX Dirt Trails Project—Summer 2003

III. Phase II: estimated duration 3 weeks (end-July to end-August)

a) Planning/Design. Location for trail additions will be marked on the ground. Careful planning will produce a design that compliments the existing trail system.

b) Large Dirt Moving. Harvesting additional dirt from the proposed location of trails in the Community Park and depositing of dirt and shaping of large dirt forms using a “Bobcat,” a front-end loader and a grader.

1. Double O BMX Trails Project members will supervise and direct the placement of dirt in accordance with the design of these trails.

2. Rough placement of the dirt using heavy equipment will take no more than 3 days.

3. Double O BMX Trails Project members will be the only persons permitted to work when heavy equipment is present. There will be adult supervision at all times.

c) Shaping/final touches/testing. Rough shaping of dirt trails forms using shovels, rakes, picks, hoes, wheelbarrows and other hand tools.

1. Double O project supervisors will oversee and direct this activity.

2. Volunteers from Fowlerville’s BMX riding community are welcome to assist Double O supervisors with this activity.

3. Refreshments will be provided for volunteers and Double O project members.

4. Gloves, hand tools, first aid kit will be provided by Double O project members and project organizers, David and Andrée Weimer.

5. Finishing touches and trail check: Smoothing and testing of jump angle, reception and assurance of safety of trails.

a) Dirt trails designers and the most experienced BMX riders on the Double O project team will oversee this important activity.

6. Placement of a sign and opening the trails for public use.

d) Summer Competition at the Double O Dirt Trails in Fowlerville’s Community Park. One week following the completion of Phase II, a competition will be held on Saturday, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

1. A representative of the Village of Fowlerville will be invited to present prizes. Double O project team members, project volunteers, all interested community members, and the print media will be invited.

2. Double O project leaders, David and Andrée Weimer, working with dedicated BMX riders from the community, will organize and oversee a competition of Beginner, Novice and Expert classes. Judges will be competent riders from each category.

3. An application will be made for a permit for this event, and for the amplified music, played by local bands, that is planned to accompany the competition.

4. Trophies and prizes will be provided by the Double O BMX Dirt Trails Project creators, in cooperation with local merchants. An “MC” will call the event using a bullhorn.

5. A “jam session” will follow the competition, where all riders are invited to use the improved trails.

6. No charge or fee will be required for spectators or participants. This summer project is free to all and open to the public.

e) Maintenance.

Three times a week, and once a day during the weekend, a project member will inspect and repair the Double O Dirt Trails. Trash will be collected and the overall appearance upkept. Double O supervisors and project creator, David Weimer, will oversee and carry out this important maintenance activity. It is in our best interest.

IV. Project Requirements

Basic requirements for the installation of a system of BMX dirt trails in Fowlerville’s Community Park:

1. Approval by the Fowlerville Village Council of this proposed dirt trails project and permission to begin work on Saturday, June 21, 2003.

2. Water (non-potable or potable) connection in the vicinity of the proposed dirt trails location in the Community Park—we will supply any required hoses and will oversee proper and economic water usage.

3. Sign supplied by the Village of Fowlerville and posted at the beginning of the BMX trails. The sign should say the following:

These public BMX dirt trails are for the use of Fowlerville and its surrounding community. It is a USE AT YOUR OWN RISK attraction and will not be supervised by onsite park personnel.

Bicycle (BMX) riding is a hazardous recreational activity. All participants should wear protective equipment while riding on or around these trails. Failure to wear protective equipment while riding on or around these trails may result in death, paralysis, brain damage/concussion, broken bones or other serious injury. The Village of Fowlerville does not assume any responsibility for injuries.

RIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK

Safety equipment recommended—this is a non-supervised area.

Use of this dirt trails facility may expose BMX athletes to serious injury.

Ride within your means—be honest about your skill level and use this facility at your own risk.

BMX riders, all-terrain inline skaters and mountain boarders only.

Motorcycles, scooters and all other uses prohibited.

Ride respectfully. This is a smoke, alcohol and drug-free facility.

Be aware of others around you for everyone’s safety.

Be respectful of other patrons and of the park—no profanity.

No standing, sitting or hanging out on the trails.

No littering, glass containers, food or beverages on the trails.

No glass containers within the trail area.

Permits for special events and amplified music can be applied for at the Village Clerk’s Office.

No destruction or defacing of public property.

The Village of Fowlerville has the right to eject from the park persons who break park rules or engage in activities that endanger others.

The Village of Fowlerville has the right to close this facility without notice.

EMERGENCY PHONE LOCATED AT XXX

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CALL: Parks & Rec. 223-XXXX Police 223-YYYY Village Offices 223-ZZZZ.

V. BMX trails design/building/supervising team members:

Pat Costella (BMX) : Brighton BMX Shop. 810 227-4420/ 517 974-2929.

Don Paquette (BMX) : 10400 Chase Lake. 517 468-3224.

Kyle Pobursky (BMX) : 872 Sycamore. 517 223-1597

Greg Pittman (BMX) : 291 Garden Lane, Apt. 12. 517 223-8797.

William Pittman (BMX) : 291 Garden Lane, Apt. 12. 517 223-8797.

David Weimer (Inline/project creator) : 103 Lynn Dr. 517 404-6333.

Jeff Zumbach (BMX) : 323 Church St. 517 223-3946.