8/24/2009 The Rock Hill City Council has approved the Riverwalk development that includes the velodrome. It's official! The Cycling Center of the Carolinas will include a 250m track, dedicated road course, bmx/supercross track, mtb trails, and connectivity to the Carolina Thread Trail. Next steps include organizational meetings in winter 2009. Stay tuned!
3/27/09: The Rock Hill City Council expressed enthusiastic support for the expanded vision for the Cycling and Outdoor Center of the Carolinas, which is being built into the Riverwalk Project developed by the Greens of Rock Hill. The expanded vision includes a paved criterium course, mountain biking trails, BMX Supercross track, and riverfront walking and cycling paths. Our next meeting with City Council is June 8, 2009.
9/27/08: Rock Hill Mayor and City Officials are visiting the Brian Piccolo velodrome this weekend to see some racing and the facility. Reports are good, and the Brian Piccolo velodrome and sports complex are very similar to the proposal we have before the City of Rock Hill. This trip is very important to demonstrate the assets provided by a complex similar to the Cycling Center of the Carolinas.
8/26/08: MOU APPROVED!
The Memorandum of Understanding was approved by Rock Hill City Council on 8/25/08. We now have a timeline that requires certain milestones to be met over the next 6-9 months, and we are in the process of completing those items. There is still a need for the citizens and potential users to reach out to RH City Council and express your support for the velodrome as an asset for Rock Hill and the surrounding communities. Thank you for your continued support!
1. Rock Hill seeks to be a leader in youth and amateur sports
a. The velodrome will include an extensive program of youth training and racing
b. The velodrome will provide a unique and safe venue for kids to have fun, get exercise, and learn a new sport
c. The velodrome will feature year-round amateur training and racing events from beginner to seasoned veteran
d. The velodrome will include outreach programs for youth, YMCA programs and classes, and safety clinics
i. Weekly series, regional racing, and national calendar events
2. Rock Hill wants to ensure that many types of groups can use the velodrome
a. The velodrome will feature a paved infield and apron, allowing for concerts, skateboarding and other contests, r/c and go-cart racing, running events, inline skating, and many other uses
b. The velodrome will be connected to other parts of the community through a series of bike paths and trails, which will encourage community participation and visibility for the velodrome
c. There is an immediate need to contact the Rock Hill City Council and express support for the velodrome
3. Rock Hill is concerned about the economic impact of the velodrome
a. An economic impact study was conducted by Clemson University
b. The results showed a strong impact, particularly when compared to similar studies conducted on the Manchester Meadows soccer facility and the Rock Hill Tennis Center
i. Velodrome construction costs: $4.4M; economic impact: $4.4M/yr
ii. Manchester Meadows soccer complex construction costs: $12.7M; economic impact: $2.1M
c. The velodrome annual programming includes 3 major events, 6 regional events, 30 major weekly events, 30 minor weekly events, 20 other cycling events, and 20 other events
4. Other points about the velodrome
a. The proposed design is 250m, concrete, 43 degrees of banking in the corners
b. Concrete infield, lockers, concessions, lights, stadium seating
c. City of Rock Hill will build and co-manage with the CVA
d. Current proposed location is inside a mixed-use development off Interstate 77, Exit 82 (Cherry Road) in Rock Hill
e. The velodrome would be the only world class velodrome in the southeast and one of only 20 in the country
6/15/08: Rock Hill Tribune article about the velodrome: http://www.heraldonline.com/109/story/624543.html
6/12/08 The CVA presented to the Rock Hill City Council with the Rock Hill City Manager and various city staff members. The City Council, led by Mayor Echols, indicated a desire to move forward with a memorandum of understanding along with a review of certain studies and documents that were provided in earlier sessions. These documents will be delivered to City Council no later than November 2008.
