Southridge, Merle Hay malls in the mix for indoor BMX park
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What an indoor BMX park could look like. Renderings: Courtesy of Neumann Monson Architects
Southridge and Merle Hay Malls are potential prime spots for a public indoor BMX race track, according to a new feasibility study commissioned by local cycling advocates.
Why it matters: The vision is a "world-class" indoor BMX race and pump track that can help people get active year-round, says Bobby Kennedy, a member of West Des Moines' Bicycle Advisory Commission and one of the project leads
- "It would be fun to have a better indoor space than just a gym," Kennedy tells Axios.
State of play: The feasibility study, conducted by CSL International, estimates the park would cost around $19.1 million, which would be raised through public and private funds, Kennedy says.
- The goal is to make the park accessible, affordable and usable for multiple sports, including skateboarding.
Zoom in: BMX bikes are smaller than road bikes and used for performing tricks, racing and off-road riding.
- They're popular with kids and the sport is also rapidly growing — BMX became an official Olympic sport in 2019.
- In Des Moines, Ewing Park offers outdoor BMX tracks, but the closest indoor facility is near Minneapolis, Kennedy says.
What they're saying: Travis Mansfield, the new owner of Southridge Mall, tells Axios he's open to the idea of the park.
- Mansfield purchased the mall and its adjacent lots in late 2024 and wants to diversify the area, including more "experiences" like the BMX park.
- "We've got a lot of parking lots that are underutilized and a few buildings that are underutilized," he says. "I think it's going to take some public, private stuff going on, similar to the MidAmerican Rec Plex."
Context: Southridge Mall Owner Travis Mansfield tells Axios it could operate similarly to the popular $30 million MidAmerican RecPlex in West Des Moines, which was funded through individual and corporate donations, hotel tax funds and utility funds.
- The facility opened in 2021 and is operated through the City of West Des Moines.
What's next: The full results of the feasibility study will be shared during the Iowa Bicycle Coalition's Bike Banquet — a fundraiser that supports the cycling nonprofit — on Jan. 25.
- Speakers include Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and Olympic cyclist Nelson Vails.