St George

BMX Track in Santa Clara Welcomes All Riders

Wheelchair accessible BMX and BMX for special needs help create an inclusive community
St George Thrives Insider Staff

St George Thrives Insider Staff

Aug 19, 2026

33 Comments

The BMX track in Santa Clara represents a bold step toward creating a space where riders of all abilities are genuinely welcome.

 

It’s not just the thrill of fast turns or the hum of tires on dirt that draws families from across the region.

 

For some, the track is a symbol of inclusion, a place where wheelchair accessible BMX features make it possible for everyone to join in.

 

Recent additions to the facility highlight a growing commitment to BMX for special needs communities, raising the bar for what local tracks can offer.

 

According to operators, ramps, wide lanes, and thoughtfully designed observation rooms ensure families aren’t separated by physical barriers.

 

This approach was inspired by the memory of a beloved family member whose experience underscored the importance of accessibility in sports settings.

 

Their mission now extends beyond simple recreation—it's about creating supportive spaces for those who previously had few options.

 

Parents in southern Utah note that it can be challenging to find places where every member of the family can feel involved and valued.

 

With dedicated parking, adaptive seating, and a climate-controlled lounge overlooking the course, the BMX track stands out as a model of what’s possible when community vision takes priority over convenience.

 

Local riders, some of whom compete nationally, are quick to point out that the track’s spirit of acceptance fuels both fierce racing and lifelong friendships.

 

Volunteers and the extended BMX family keep the organization running smoothly, hosting both locals and visitors who want to see how inclusion works in action.

 

There’s even a tradition of pausing for the national anthem and an open moment of reflection, reinforcing a sense of unity across all backgrounds.

 

Those stopping by the Santa Clara BMX track for the first time often comment on the unexpected warmth and hospitality they find there.

 

Organizers say that fostering a culture of kindness is just as important as racing itself.

 

The result is more than competition—it's about belonging.

 

In an era where many sports communities can feel closed off or exclusive, this track in Santa Clara shines as a reminder: everyone deserves a place to ride.

33 Comments

Join the conversation

  • TR
    Tanya Reeves· Aug 23, 12:46 AM

    The fact that it came from a personal family experience makes it feel real. Not just some organization trying to look good.

  • B
    bob_local_99· Aug 22, 11:24 PM

    Drove past this place a dozen times and never stopped. Might actually check it out now.

  • SO
    Stephanie Olsen· Aug 22, 2:07 AM

    Inclusion in sports should be the standard not the exception. Really glad someone in this community stepped up.

  • F
    frank_d· Aug 22, 12:19 AM

    Stopping for a moment of reflection at a BMX race is not something I expected to read today. That's pretty cool actually.

    • J
      jess_stgeorge· Aug 23, 1:44 AM

      frank_dRight? I thought that was a really nice touch. Sets a different tone than just a typical race day atmosphere.

  • Q
    QuestioningQ· Aug 21, 3:03 PM

    Do they have beginner classes or is it mostly for experienced riders? Asking for my 8 year old who has never raced.

    • S
      SandraKwon· Aug 22, 3:45 PM

      QuestioningQMy 9 year old started there with zero experience and they were so patient with her. I would just call ahead and ask but I think they welcome beginners for sure.

  • L
    Lori_Henderson· Aug 21, 1:22 PM

    The volunteers there deserve a shoutout. They keep everything running and are always super helpful to newcomers.

    • R
      ReginaT· Aug 22, 10:57 PM

      Lori_HendersonAgreed! One of the guys there spent like 20 minutes walking us through everything when we showed up clueless. Did not have to do that but he did.

  • B
    bmx_dad_stg· Aug 21, 12:13 AM

    My son races nationally and he always talks about how good the crowd at Santa Clara is. Says it doesn't feel cutthroat like some other tracks.

  • KV
    Kim Valdez· Aug 21, 12:09 AM

    Really nice to read something positive about a local sports facility for once.

  • NR
    Ned R.· Aug 20, 11:25 PM

    The wide lanes are a smart design choice. Makes it safer for newer riders too not just wheelchair users.

  • A
    angie_mom_of_3· Aug 20, 8:54 PM

    Finding places in southern Utah where all three of my kids can do something together is harder than it sounds. Adding this to the list.

    • D
      dad_of_twins_stg· Aug 21, 2:59 PM

      angie_mom_of_3It really is tough to find spots like that around here. Let me know what you think after you go, we have been on the fence about making the trip.

  • TB
    Tyler Bingham· Aug 20, 6:14 PM

    Been riding that track for years and the culture really has shifted. Way more families showing up now which is cool.

  • MJ
    Marcy J.· Aug 20, 4:40 PM

    We need more of this thinking in youth sports across the board not just BMX.

  • S
    skeptical_steve· Aug 20, 4:28 PM

    Sounds great on paper but hope the accessibility features are actually maintained and not just a photo op.

  • PA
    Paul Andersen· Aug 20, 1:26 PM

    Climate controlled lounge overlooking the course? That sold me. Taking the whole family next weekend.

    • N
      NataliePrince· Aug 21, 6:43 AM

      Paul AndersenHa that lounge was the first thing my husband mentioned too. Let us know how it goes, we are thinking about going the same weekend.

  • C
    cori_rides· Aug 20, 1:06 PM

    My daughter just started BMX and knowing tracks like this exist makes me feel better about the sport overall.

  • GF
    Greg Fontaine· Aug 19, 9:46 AM

    Dedicated parking for people with disabilities is such a small thing but it makes such a big difference. Good on them.

  • TW
    TammyLou W.· Aug 19, 7:37 AM

    The national anthem tradition is a nice touch. Feels like a real community event not just a race.

  • M
    mike_bmx_84· Aug 19, 6:13 AM

    Tracks like this make the whole sport look good. Wish we had something like it closer to Cedar City.

    • C
      cedar_rider_99· Aug 19, 8:37 PM

      mike_bmx_84Fellow Cedar City person here, the drive to Santa Clara is worth it though. We made a day trip out of it last fall and had a blast.

  • R
    Rachel_SC· Aug 19, 5:04 AM

    We drove up from St George just to check it out and it really was as friendly as everyone said.

  • DH
    Dave H.· Aug 19, 4:10 AM

    Curious what family member inspired all this. That part of the story really got me.

    • B
      bentonlocal· Aug 20, 7:47 PM

      Dave H.I was wondering the same thing. Sounds like there is a real personal story behind the whole mission. Would love to read more about that.

  • LO
    Linda Orozco· Aug 19, 1:44 AM

    I grew up watching BMX and it was never really welcoming to anyone outside the main crowd. Good to see that changing.

  • TK
    Travis K.· Aug 19, 1:01 AM

    The observation room idea is genius. No more standing in the dirt trying to watch your kid race.

  • S
    southern_utah_mom· Aug 19, 12:43 AM

    As a parent of a special needs kid it's really hard to find places where he doesn't feel left out. This sounds amazing.

  • JM
    Jason Merrill· Aug 19, 12:35 AM

    Took my nephew out there last summer and honestly the vibe was so welcoming. Didn't expect that from a BMX track.

    • T
      Trina_SoCal· Aug 19, 4:53 PM

      Jason MerrillSame! We showed up not knowing anyone and left feeling like regulars. The people there really make it.

  • BT
    Becky T.· Aug 19, 12:10 AM

    Love that they made it accessible for wheelchair users. More places need to do this.

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