The  Odessa City manager very recently informed the Permian Basin Bicycle Association that the City intends to terminate our lease so the property can be developed for residential and commercial use.  The City is required to give us written notice.  Then  we will control and operate the property for another six months.  

The Odessa Mountain Bike Park is a cherished gem centrally located within the City of Odessa.  It contains eleven miles of well designed trail weaving through varied topography,  and offering options for all skill levels.  It is a special place for more than five hundred  local mountain bikers.  It is also frequented by scores of hikers, trail runners, dog walkers, the local NICA mtb race team, and local high school cross country runners.  The park attracts users from Odessa, Midland, all of the surrounding towns, and visitors to the area. The park is a unique outdoor recreational space and community hub where families and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities come to enjoy the outdoors.  It provides important green space to the community,  promoting a healthy lifestyle and positive mental health. The removal of the Odessa Mountain Bike Park will truly diminish the community’s quality of life.

The PBBA built the park trails in 2011.  It has continuously maintained and operated the park.  The club installed a pavilion, picnic tables, added storage containers, built numerous large berms and drops,   and over the years reinforced the trails to be sustainable. This has all been done at no cost to the City.   Instead of selling this unique land to developers,  we should look to enhance the parks facilities to better serve the community and expand access. In collaboration with local officials, the park could be further developed,  ensuring it remains in existence for generations to come. 

The signers of this petition urge the City of Odessa  to not sell the Odessa Mountain Bike Park property to private developers and let the PBBA continue to manage and operate the park.