BMX Track at mTrade Park in Oxford Set for Removal, Paving Way for Essential Water Treatment Plant
The once active BMX trail at mTrade Park in Oxford is slated for removal to accommodate a much-needed water treatment plant. In 2010, the Oxford Pathways Commission had envisioned the BMX trail as a part of their efforts to promote walking and biking activities within the city. However, the trail has largely remained unused for over a decade since its establishment.
A Decade of Disuse
The BMX track saw its inception about ten years ago with aspirations to draw BMX events to Oxford. Unfortunately, it remained mostly unused. “There has been no events or local use of the track,” confirmed Oxford Utilities Superintendent Rob Neely.
Built using federal and state funds directed via the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Federal Highways Administration, consent to repurpose the site needed to be sought from MDOT.
From Sport to Service: Repurposing the Site
Neely recently shared with the Oxford Board of Aldermen that the current location of the defunct BMX trail serves as the perfect spot for a new water treatment plant. Following discussions with MDOT, they were receptive to amending the agreement.
The site’s suitability stems from its size, non-interference with the park’s future growth, and cost-effectiveness, considering the city would not need to acquire new land for this essential infrastructure. In light of the recent addition of Pat Patterson Parkway and a rise in the area’s residential and commercial businesses, Neely emphasized the critical need for the treatment plant to fulfill the area’s burgeoning demand for quality, drinkable groundwater.
Savings and Solution: The Road Ahead
With the Oxford Board of Aldermen’s approval to amend the maintenance agreement with MDOT, the BMX track is programmed for removal to make way for the new water treatment plant’s construction. This move, expected to meet the area’s growing water demands, reflects a significant step forward in Oxford’s infrastructural adaptations.
