by James Coulter
Local speed demons have been able to zoom through Florida wilderness on four wheels at Bone Valley ATV Park in Bartow. Soon, they will be able to zoom along on two wheels with a motocross track currently under construction.
On Sat. May 4, Bone Valley ATV Park will be offering a sneak peek at their latest expansion, which will include a 25-acre motocross track.
The track is currently being planned and designed by Dream Traxx, LLC, a nationwide motocross company owned and operated by Bartow native Jason Baker.
The project costs $240,000 and will be constructed in the northeastern section of the park. The 25-acre track will allow for dirt bike races and practice.
The first phase of construction is currently underway. This phase includes a closed-course trail called “motor coaster”, which Recreation Superintendent Derek Harpe has compared to “riding on a roller coaster but on an all-terrain vehicle.”
“It is a real fun trail,” he said.
The public will be able to see a preview of the new property and trail during next Saturday’s annual Regular Customer Appreciation Day.
“Next weekend is for people to come and get a preview of what is coming and all the new things that will be added in the next five to seven years,” Harpe said. “This is all part of a multiphase expansion that we will bring something new to the plate every year and a half to keep it fresh and new to the wants and needs of our customers.”
Bone Valley ATV Park opened eight years ago. The property currently includes several trails for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
The park was envisioned by County Commissioner Randy Wilkinson, who championed the need for a public access park that would allow people to ride ATVs and motorcycles safely and on public property.
“Polk County is one of the counties with the highest per capacity ATV owners in the state; so, there was a demand to build something in Central Florida,” Harpe explained.
Bone Valley ATV Park was constructed over eight to ten years. Harpe owes its success to the “stick-to-it” attitude of Wilkinson, the hard work of Parks and Recreation Manager Mike Callender, and state grants provided by Florida State Forestry.
Three years ago, an additional 300 acres were purchased, expanding the overall area to 200 to 500 acres. When the new motocross track opens, it will help solidify Polk County as a go-to destination for speed demons and other thrill seekers wanting to get the most out of their ATVs, dirt bikes, and motocross vehicles.
“I think the expectation will be a wonderful facility that has grown over 200 to 500 acres that can be a destination for them, where they can spend the whole weekend and enjoy their motocross and sports experiences,” Harpe said.
“It will give them a real venue down here in Central Florida and have a good time and feel safe in a family environment to ride,” he said. “We are very excited for the future which is the most exciting part to open the campground and other amenities that will allow people to be there for multiple days and be a good place for motorsports in the area.”
To learn more about the new motocross track and more about Bone Valley ATV Park, visit their website at: https://www.polk-county.net/things-to-do/parks-and-recreation/bone-valley-atv-park/
