BANGOR, Maine — Those with a stake in the condition of the track at Bass Park met Wednesday to outline a plan for preserving its integrity, particularly if the facility continues to be used for nonracing events.
“This was basically a discussion of some issues that have come up regarding use of the track for other purposes, such as parking and the [Bangor State Fair],” Mike Dyer, director of Bass Park, said Thursday, referring to Wednesday’s business and economic development committee meeting.
Susan Hawes, city councilor and chairwoman of that committee, said the bulk of the talk centered on safety and ensuring that the track is well-maintained.
“The other part, though, was considering that if we are going to move some other events away from the track, where do we move them,” she said.
In the past, the track’s infield has been used for the fair’s demolition derby and for overflow parking for some events, including the American Folk Festival. To get to the infield, vehicles have to drive over a significant portion of the track.
Penn National Gaming Inc., which leases the track from the city, recently spent $100,000 to repair the track after a rough spring and wants to make sure that investment is sound. Dyer maintained that the drainage and surface problems that plagued the track this spring amounted to a “perfect storm” of damage and that the repairs have helped.
“From everything I’ve heard from [drivers], the track is in the best shape it’s been,” he said.
Hawes said it’s important for the city to work to address any concerns simply in the interest of safety, especially as the track becomes more popular and the races more competitive.
“Sometimes, metal and other debris will end up on the track and as it’s resurfaced, that stuff gets buried,” she explained. “But when it resurfaces, it can be very dangerous for the animals. And these are valuable animals.”
Earlier this year while repairs were being made, track officials unearthed an old manure dumping pit and an old drainage pipe that was contributing to soggy conditions.
Dyer said discussions between city and track officials will continue for the next several weeks or months, leading perhaps to a guidelines for using the facility for nonracing events.