Marian University seeks to take over operation of velodrome 4.8.11

INDIANAPOLIS STAR

Once considered world-class, the city-owned Major Taylor Velodrome cycling track is crumbling three decades after it was built.
Next door, weeds have overtaken a hilly BMX dirt bike racing course, now fenced off.
Marian University pledged Thursday to put some polish on the Westside complex and expand its offerings. The university will take over operation of the Lake Sullivan Sports Complex in a proposed 15-year management contract if the City-County Council signs off.
Under the terms of the deal, announced inside the velodrome by Mayor Greg Ballard, Marian would sink more than $2 million into the complex over the next decade. It also would take on maintenance and utility costs.
Marian's nationally recognized cycling team is the velodrome's heaviest user, practicing and hosting competitions there.
"With just a little work," head coach Dean Peterson said, "this could be a major cycling hub for the city."
The 7-acre complex, at 3649 Cold Spring Road, operates at a loss for the city, which no longer will spend about $70,000 a year to keep it running if the contract goes through. The site also includes a playing field. But the city would continue to manage a skate park, a Marian spokeswoman said.
University President Daniel J. Elsener said more revenue could come from new events -- for multiple sports and community activities -- and from new sponsorships and advertising. During the last five years of the contract, the city would receive a 10 percent share of any revenue higher than $250,000.
One motivation for Marian is that its cycling team and students would benefit from the expanded facilities.
Marian's plans include:
Renovating the 2,900-seat velodrome's facade and buildings, replacing lighting and repaving parking lots.
Fixing up the BMX course and improving a road-racing course.
Building a course for cyclocross racing -- which includes obstacles and varying terrain -- and a 4K walking and jogging trail.
Exploring a park-and-ride program for bicyclists. Nearby trails connect the complex to Downtown and the Northside.
The deal's framework is similar to long-term golf course operating contracts the city has signed in recent years in which contractors must spend money on facility upgrades.
Marian's proposal offers the cash-strapped city a prime opportunity, Ballard said.
"Millions of dollars are needed to bring this complex up to speed," he said. "We thought we could no longer stand by and watch this great complex, with so much potential, fall by the wayside."
The city requested proposals last summer. Parks Director Stuart Lowry said the only other bid was disqualified because it was submitted after the deadline.
Council member Monroe Gray, a Democrat whose district includes the complex, said he had discussed a possible partnership with Marian for years. He and co-sponsor Angel Rivera, an at-large Republican, plan to introduce the proposal at Monday's meeting.
The sports complex "has been a drain on the parks budget," Gray said. "We finally found a partner that's going to do a good job on this."
http://www.indystar.com/article/20110408/LOCAL18/104080342/-1/7daysarchives/Marian-University-wants-operate-velodrome