A question of darkness

Almost a year ago, the Astronomical Society decided to conduct serious research into locating and tracking unknown asteroids and comets. Because there are very few professional astronomers in the world and only about 110 amateurs conducting such research, every observatory involved in the effort is considered to have a significant effect on science. As a result of Powell's involvement, the observatory helped in the discovery of 30 astronomical bodies and is currently ranked by NASA as 51st among a list of 265 observatories in the world. Powell is also a part of the Kansas Digital Observers Network (KDON), which includes three other observatories in Kansas, and as a network is ranked 9th in the world.

Currently, the society is applying for a NASA grant that would allow the facility to conduct the NEO research with federal funds, part of which would be designated to local schools. "We are very confident that we would get this grant because of our ranking and recognition," says Reuss. "The grant would be along the lines of $100,000, which would in part allow us to help the schools in the area fund their own astronomical programs and research. I have been personally involved with the discovery of several of these asteroids and I know how exciting it is. Can you imagine how excited a student would be by being involved in this research as well?"

The developer of the BMX track, Eric Minor, is somewhat sympathetic to the concerns of the Astronomical Society and even wants to become a member. "When I first went to the parks board, I was initially proposing putting the track on a piece of land that is closer to the tractor pull site," Minor says. "The park board came back to me with a site that I now know is adjacent to the observatory." The park board first heard Minor's proposal two months ago. He has been before the board twice.

Minor moved his family to Louisburg from Illinois about six months ago. He says he was involved in BMX as a young boy and quit when he was 17 because of injuries. But after moving to Louisburg, Minor and his family got reacquainted with BMX, along with other area families. Minor then started looking at putting a track in Louisburg, which would be the third in the Kansas City area. Sanctioned BMX tracks currently exist in Raytown and Blue Springs.

The American Bicycle Association (ABA) is the national organization that supports and sanctions BMX racing. Its Web site includes instructions on building a BMX track and securing land from county and city governments. Minor's BMX track proposal includes the track, grandstands, fencing, lighting, and a PA system. He is proposing that races be held once a week, on Monday nights, during the racing season, which runs from spring to fall. The Web site recommends that developers have "a loader, tractor, five drum smooth roller, and 1,500 to 2,000 yards of dirt with lots of volunteers to help rake and shovel" to get the track started.

Louisburg Park Board officials referred all questions regarding the BMX track to Ted Hayden, city administrator. Hayden knew of the proposal and of the observatory's concerns. Only about 75 acres of the park have been designated for development or farming, and about 40 acres have been set aside for conservation, leaving approximately 105 acres, of which the five-acre BMX track could occupy, says Hayden.

Interestingly, when asked whether stipulations outlined in Esther Young's will concerning "recreational use" and definitions of public park land prevented the construction of a BMX track, Hayden said the definition was "very abstract" in the will and it could be contested that neither the track nor the observatory meets the original use of a park that the donator intended. An attorney contacted by PitchWeekly and given a copy of Young's will agreed with Hayden.

Hayden adds that Louisburg is developing and times have changed since the observatory came to town. "I don't think this is so much of a sports versus science issue as it is a development issue," he says. "If this track isn't developed, something else will be that will give them problems." Hayden also says the observatory's economic impact has never been determined and it is unclear exactly what economic gains the town would have from the BMX track, particularly if only one race is held per week during hours when other businesses are normally closed.

Minor says he would prefer to have another track site that isn't as intrusive to the observatory and possibly wouldn't limit his group's ability to practice at night or have campgrounds in the future. Regardless of the eventual choice, Minor comes across as being flexible. "If the city approves the plan at that location, I would be willing to sign an agreement with the astronomical society, anything that would make them happy," he says