SAND SPRINGS, Okla. -- One of the worst spots hit by flooding at Case Community Park is the BMX course, which is operated through volunteers who are in desperate need of funds to repair the damage.
"A lot of the kids came by the track who are younger and cried, and there’s a lot of older people came by and it just broke their heart," said Chris Marang, Vice President of Sand Springs BMX.
Kaedyn Knobbs started BMX racing four months ago and fell in love with the sport.
"I’d watch YouTube videos and how to do tricks and everything and just got really into it," said Knobbs.
The 13-year-old found a home at Sand Springs BMX.
"We're like a family, there’s really no drama or anything," said Knobbs.
However, racing in Sand Springs came to a screeching halt when the flood waters swept through the course in May.
"Sad, I’m just sad because I don’t really get to race," said Knobbs.
The only other courses nearby are in Yukon and Pryor, both hit by heavy rain and in need of their own improvements. Many kids who race at Sand Springs BMX, have been traveling to courses out of state in Arkansas, Texas, and Missouri.
"The water almost went to the tip top of the roof and almost to the top of the hill," said Marang.
They're estimating about 10 feet of water rising throughout the course, damaging nearly every aspect of the track.
"It’s caved in, it has pockets underneath and there’s a bunch of treacherous spots," said Marang.
As a nonprofit, Sand Springs BMX doesn't have enough money to rip up the track and redo everything.
"We need dirt, we need asphalt, we need a new shed so we can sell concessions," said Marang.
There's no telling when it will be fixed, which is disappointing to hear for the 75 riders who use the track every week.
"The enjoyment on their face, or the fear that they’ve conquered, it’s just amazing to watch them do that and now we don’t get to watch them do that for a while," said Marang.
All Knobbs can do is ride his bike in his neighborhood, and wait to hear the starting bell again.
"All I can really say is please donate, I just really want to ride," said Knobbs.
Sand Springs BMX is raising money by selling fireworks at a stand outside Berryhill Baptist Church from June 27 to July 4. They're estimating repairs will cost them more than $20,000.
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