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Somehow, everyone here at the Outpost missed the fact that there’s now a three-acre BMX track in McKinleyville. It opened two months ago! How embarrassing. (In our defense, we did report back in 2021 that the project was in the works.)

Thankfully, an Arizona-base PR firm just emailed a press release on behalf of the Tulsa, Oklahoma-based USA BMX. We present you that press release now:

McKinleyville, California, is now home to a new destination for BMX racing, as McKinleyville BMX officially opened Aug. 22. The three-acre, USA BMX-sanctioned facility expands access to the sport across Humboldt County and California’s North Coast, giving riders of all ages and experience levels a place to develop their skills, compete and connect with the local BMX community.

Community members marked the opening by taking their first laps on the track and cheering on local riders.

McKinleyville BMX is located at 1315 School Rd. in McKinleyville. Designed to welcome riders of all ages and skill levels, McKinleyville BMX offers a challenging track with a unique coastal setting. Located about a mile from the Pacific Ocean, the track offers ocean views from the starting gate, making it a distinctive addition to Northern California’s BMX scene. The facility features a concrete starting hill, wide turns and dynamic jumps that offer an exciting ride for beginners and experienced racers alike.

Beyond the track, the facility offers amenities for the entire community, including a playground, an outdoor half-court basketball court, pickleball court, walking paths and picnic areas where families and friends can gather.

McKinleyville BMX is also partnering with the Wiyot Tribe and Two Feathers Native American Family Services to expand opportunities for local youth. Two Feathers NAFS McKinleyville Family Resource Center, Native Women’s Collective and artist Melitta Rojas-Jackson have contributed murals to the track’s starting hill.

Together, the partners are developing youth programs for children in local communities and tribal reservations, with a planned launch in spring 2027. The track also plans to introduce a Bikes and Books program designed to promote literacy and physical activity among young riders. The program will pair 15 to 20 minutes of reading with time on the track, including riding and age-appropriate races, creating an opportunity for children to build reading habits while enjoying BMX.

“McKinleyville BMX is a great investment in our community, with benefits that extend beyond the track itself,” said Patrick Kaspari, general manager at McKinleyville Community Services District. “The track gives local kids and families a new hobby to connect with others, while creating another reason for people from across the region to visit McKinleyville. Those visits can also bring a boost to local businesses as riders, families and spectators come to town for races and events. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it has on McKinleyville and the surrounding region for years to come.”

The idea for a BMX track was first introduced at a Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting eight years ago, sparking a long-term effort led by track operator Jason Orlandi. Over the past three years, the project has moved through planning and development, with Orlandi leading community outreach, participating in town hall meetings and spearheading fundraising and grant applications to help bring the track to life.

“BMX has always been about progression: taking on the next challenge, learning a new skill and pushing yourself to go further,” said Jason Orlandi, track operator of McKinleyville BMX. “This project has always been about giving the community something to rally around. I’m proud of what we’ve built together and grateful to everyone who helped make it happen.”

The McKinleyville BMX track was made possible through the support of the McKinleyville Community Services District and dedicated volunteers who helped shape, test and maintain the track. Already, the track is bringing new energy to the community, giving local kids a place to stay active and build confidence while connecting with others through BMX.

For parents who grew up riding, it’s also an opportunity to share that passion with their own children, introducing a new generation to the sport they love. More than a place to ride, the track is becoming a gathering spot where families can spend time together and the community can build lasting connections.

“It’s great to see McKinleyville BMX come to life after years of planning and hard work,” said Justin Travis, director of business development at USA BMX. “Getting a track like this built takes a lot of work, and the community of McKinleyville has been a strong partner every step of the way. I also want to recognize Jason Orlandi for sticking with this project from the beginning and putting in the work to help secure state grant funding. A lot of people helped get this across the finish line, and we’re excited to see local riders and families out here making the most of it.”