Environmentalist have criticised the staging of an international motocross event on national park land at Coney Island.

The Bermuda Audubon Society has again expressed disappointment over the potential damage the Coney Island Pink Sand Scramble 2.0 events may cause to the island’s ecosystem.

“The Bermuda Audubon Society was disappointed that, once again, there will be motocross events at Coney Island,” the organisation’s president Heather Bottelli told The Royal Gazette.

“We understand that this is a popular attraction and do support community sports events. However, we do not feel that a public park is the appropriate location, particularly when there is a purpose built area at Southside.

“Coney Island is classed as an ‘amenity’ park, not a ‘recreational’ park, and has been the home to many forms of wildlife. Motocross damages and disrupts wildlife habitats through erosion of the soil along with air and noise pollution.

“We ask that the minister responsible for parks, the honourable Jache Adams, along with the Department of Parks, take into account these negative impacts when they consider such future events.”

Responding to the BAS’s concerns, event promoter Jyrie Mitchell said measures were in place to preserve the environment at Coney Island as much as possible.

“From the start, our goal was to be good neighbours and respectful stewards of the park,” he said.

“We did not cut any local trees; only removed invasive growth, stayed on existing walking trails, used mulch as the primary material source, and all other soil will be removed.

“At the end of each day, all event waste will be removed the same day and our team also took the time to collect multiple bags of existing litter and discarded beer bottles.

“Our overall environmental impact will be very small—limited to just two days of foot traffic and noise. We’re committed to listening, learning and continuing to find better ways to work alongside nature as a community.”

The BAS were also among a trio of watchdog organisations who condemned the decision to give the go-ahead for a motocross track to be built at Coney Island for last year’s inaugural event.

The Coney Island Pink Sand Scramble 2.0 kicks off tomorrow with a second race day scheduled for January 4.

Both events will showcase overseas and local riders aged four to over 40, who will compete among seven classes for $15,000 in prize money.

Among this year’s star attractions are the overseas professional trio of Jason Dragonetti, Dylan Kukowski and Addison Emory.

Commenting on the upcoming races, Mitchell said: “On the day, our focus is on great racing and creating a positive, family-friendly event that welcomes all ages.

“We see this as a chance to bring people together through sport; give young people something exciting and positive to be a part of.

“Above all, we want the event to reflect the very best of our community; safe, inclusive, respectful and rooted in healthy competition, shared pride and enjoyment.”

Action gets under way at Coney Island on both race days at 11am.