Title
Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a License Agreement between the City of Hampton and the HamptonBMX Volunteers Association, Inc. to use approximately 2.6 Acres of Gosnold's Hope Park
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
HamptonBMX Volunteers Association, Inc.- an entity that has taken the place of previous groups including Hampton BMX Athletic LLC and Hampton BMX LLC- is a group organized to promote, operate, and support the recreational activities of Bicycle Motocross (BMX) racing. In 1978, pursuant to a license agreement with Hampton BMX LLC and the City of Hampton, the Hampton BMX was constructed in Gosnold's Hope Park. The City of Hampton has supported the use of the approximately 2.6 acres for BMX purposes continuously for over 35 years. The current license agreement, originally executed between the City and Hampton BMX Athletic LLC in 2020, was assigned to HamptonBMX Volunteers Association, Inc. in 2021. It expired in September 2025. The City and HamptonBMX Volunteers Association, Inc. have continued to operate under the terms and conditions of the expired agreement and desire to enter into a new license agreement for the continued use of a portion of Gosnold's Hope Park for bicycle motocross racing.
Discussion:
The City of Hampton has a longstanding agreement for use of the Hampton BMX track in Gosnold's Hope Park through the issuance of license agreements. While this revocable license agreement does not involve a financial exchange, HamptonBMX Volunteers Association, Inc., as the licensee, is solely responsible for all applicable taxes and fees including but not limited to real property taxes, stormwater fees, and personal property taxes.
In addition, HamptonBMX Volunteers Association, Inc. is required to maintain liability insurance covering all structures, improvements, and activities, and is responsible for the overall maintenance of the licensed premises.
The attached License Agreement is for a term of five years, commencing upon execution of the License Agreement by the City Manager.
The License Agreement is revocable at any time, for any reason or no reason, upon giving sixty (60) days written notice to HamptonBMX Volunteers Association, Inc
Impact:
HamptonBMX Volunteers Association, Inc. provides a service to the community of BMX riders and can increase revenue through events hosted. Its goal is to provide riders, their families, and friends with a safe place to come together to share their passion of the sport of BMX racing. By executing the license agreement, the City of Hampton will continue the longstanding use of these approximately 2.6 acres for bicycle motocross racing.
Recommendation:
Rec
Conduct a public hearing and approve the Resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, HamptonBMX Volunteers Association, Inc. is organized to support bicycle motocross racing within the City of Hampton;
WHEREAS, the City owns a parcel of land commonly known as Gosnold's Hope Park;
WHEREAS, HamptonBMX Volunteers Association, Inc. and its predecessors have utilized a portion of Gosnold's Hope Park consisting of approximately 2.6 acres for its bicycle motocross racing activities for the past 35 years pursuant to a license agreement;
WHEREAS, the term of the previous license agreement expired on September 3, 2025;
WHEREAS, the City and HamptonBMX Volunteers Association, Inc. have continued to operate under the terms and conditions of the expired agreement, and HamptonBMX Volunteers Association, Inc. desires to continue to utilize the aforesaid portion of Gosnold's Hope Park for its bicycle motocross racing on the terms and conditions set forth in the proposed license agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Council has determined that the terms and conditions of the license agreement are acceptable.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia, that it approves the license agreement to use approximately 2.6 acres of real property at Gosnold's Hope Park to HamptonBMX Volunteers Association, Inc. and, accordingly, the City Manager, or her designee, is hereby authorized to execute and deliver to HamptonBMX Volunteers Association, Inc. the license agreement in substantially the same form as attached hereto, subject to the review and approval of the City Attorney.