Kermit to build BMX-style bicycle course

Kermit Council members meet Aug. 10 to discuss a new BMX-style bicycle course, the town’s Fall Festival and work on the new kitchen at the Kermit Gym. From left: Councilman Doug Collins, Councilwoman Tammy Preece Hodge, Recorder Rhonda Muncy, Mayor Charles Sparks, Councilman Steven Kominar, Councilman J.W. Endicott and Councilman Scott Smith. (Citizen photo by Roger Smith)

Kitchen nears completion, Fall Festival set

BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

KERMIT — Kermit will build a BMX-style bicycle course in the town park, giving young riders a designated place to ride while keeping bicycles off busy streets.

The Kermit Council approved the project during its Aug. 10 regular meeting, where officials also discussed the town’s nearly completed kitchen and plans for the annual Fall Festival.

Councilwoman Tammy Preece Hodge proposed the bicycle course after the town took steps to keep children from riding on Mingo Street and nearby side streets because of safety concerns.

An AI-generated mockup illustrates what a small BMX-style bicycle course could look like in Kermit Park. The Kermit Council voted Aug. 10 to move forward with construction of a non-motorized bicycle course for local children.

“It would only be for bicycles and not motorcycles or any other type of powered bikes,” Hodge said.

Mayor Charles Sparks and other council members supported the proposal.

The town plans to require parents or guardians to sign waivers allowing children to use the course at their own risk.

Council members voted to move forward with construction and to name the track in honor of the late Hawky Preece.

The council also set Kermit’s annual Fall Festival for Oct. 10. Hodge said the event will feature inflatables, vendors, music and a performance by the Lafferty Band.

Meanwhile, work is nearing completion on a new kitchen inside the Kermit Gym.

Sparks said the town has purchased kitchen equipment and still has some funding available for additional work.

The town used a $90,000 American Electric Power grant, secured by ABLE Families in November 2025, to build the kitchen.

Officials said the facility will serve Little League activities and community events and could also be used to prepare meals for residents affected by flooding.

Heavy rain during construction exposed a drainage problem that let water into the new space. Sparks said he believes the drainage issue has been corrected.

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