He's built it. Will they come?
No, this is not a remake of the movie "Field of Dreams," and so far, Kevin Costner has not made an appearance. But after spending more than $2 million of public money on a new hill in Houston, Commissioner Steve Radack has high hopes for the new Hockley Park soap box derby track. That's even as a very similar public-private soap box derby park in Ohio is facing a financial bailout.
"It will be good for the economy and good for people to have," Radack said. "There are no hills in Houston. It is unique to Houston. This is the highest point other than a freeway overpass anywhere near Harris County."
More than 30 senior citizens raced down the track on a recent Saturday in one of the park's first public racing events of the year. Radack said he hopes the new race track provides more recreational opportunities for senior citizens and children with disabilities.
According to Radack the new derby park in Houston is one that rivals the same track used for the All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship race, a distinction Radack thinks will help bring people to Houston.
That world championship race is held in Akron, Ohio, home to Derby Downs. According to an article in the Akron Beacon Journal, Derby Downs and the Hockley soap box derby park have the same size hill and same amenities: concession stands, grandstands and a barn to house the derby cars.
Although Derby Downs is home to the All-American Soap Box Derby, the park has lately been mired in financial trouble.
According to the Beacon Journal:
"Akron's Soap Box Derby struggles with more than $600,000 in debt and the lack of a national sponsor for the fourth year in a row."
And last Monday, the city of Akron agreed to donate $60,000 to the race track once again this year, the newspaper reported.
With this in mind Texas Watchdog asked Radack if the new race park will really help the economy or even be able to sustain itself?
"We have warmer weather here. I think people will use this track 300 days a year. People in Houston go golfing when it is sleeting," Radack said. "As we get more people who are interested, we will have more and more organized races. I think there could be dozens a year."
Why aren't more people racing down in derby cars? Part of the problem lies in the scheduling and availability of derby cars.
When are the scheduled events? That is where it gets complicated.
Currently Harris County does not post a schedule on its website.
The local nonprofit has been racing in Houston in for years, and, according to Secretary Harry Harwood, helped the county develop the track at Hockley Park and is helping run it. Watch the video below to find out how.
The scheduled event Texas Watchdog attended June 26 was listed on the derby group's website, not the county's.
In the meantime, if you would like to take advantage of a longtime American pastime and see your tax dollars at work, you may contact the Greater Houston Soap Box Derby group by phone, 713-871-1304, or e-mail, ghsbd@hotmail.com. The next scheduled event for the public is Saturday, July 10.
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