There are a lot of businesses tucked away in the Holly Springs Business Park located just south of the Target Plaza off of 55 in Holly Springs. One of the newest is certainly one of the coolest. In May, they cut the ribbon for the Daniel Dhers Action Sports Complex. Haven’t made the trip yet to check it out? You should! This is what every young BMXer and Skateboarder in the world wishes they had in their backyard. Well – we have it.
This is a state-of-the-art facility in that provides the most fun you can have on wheels. The Daniel Dhers Action Sports Complex is the largest family-oriented, year-round, BMX, mountain biking, and skateboarding training facility in the world; with more than 37,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor riding terrain.
You read that right…..In the world! And it’s right here in Holly Springs!
So why Holly Springs? We talked with Baxter Walker with Colliers International, who is responsible for finding the perfect location for them. It happened to be in Holly Springs. “When I first met Daniel [Dhers] and his business partner Chelsea [Nolander], it was clear how passionate they were about providing a BMX facility to younger generations. We canvassed the Triangle for the ideal property that would have adequate height and clear-span construction, as well as being located in a community that would be excited to have it. Hello Holly Springs! In addition to having a growing young population, the amount of support that was received by town staff and elected officials showed Daniel and Chelsea that Holly Springs was the place to be. Offering options in addition to BMX such as skateboarding, mountain biking and roller blading has certainly broadened their audience. Witnessing the quick success of the Daniel Dhers Action Sports Complex in such a short time definitely proves that Holly Springs, North Carolina was the best choice.”
So who is Daniel Dhers? Daniel is a professional BMX champion who is originally from Caracas, Venezuela. Venezuela offered little in way of resources to hone his riding abilities as a young kid. In fact, Daniel describes the skate parks that he used to ride as makeshift ramps and concrete slabs, that were in no condition to suit what he needed to progress in the sport. However, the passion, drive and skill that Daniel showed when riding his bike, propelled him forward into more success than he ever could have imagined.
Daniel’s riding abilities soon became recognized worldwide, and eventually, Woodward BMX Camp in Woodward, PA, extended an invitation to Daniel to join them. Armed with his hardcore dedication, Daniel came to the States, and was able to excel in the sport. After a short time at Woodward, Daniel competed in the 2006 Dew Tour Championship. The Summer of 2006 changed this young athlete’s life, when Dhers scored his first big win as a professional BMX rider. Taking home the 2006 Dew Cup set Daniel apart. Many big-name sponsors recognized Dhers for the first time.
Thanks to this now 5-time X-games gold medalist, Holly Springs now has a new family fun facility aptly donned the Daniel Dhers Action Sports Complex (DDASC).
From the moment you walk through the front door into the lobby, it’s evident that the staff is happy you’re there. They are eager to answer questions and address concerns about riding at the facility. Their top priority is the safety of the riders and spectators alike. The park attendants survey each section of the riding areas to keep the children and adults safe, while providing an enjoyable experience for everyone.
If you’re deciding for the first time to hop on bike or skateboard, or if it’s just been longer than you care to admit in public, don’t sweat it! From riders just starting out, all the way to professionals, the Complex offers a variety of terrains that at first ride, will have everyone smiling! The park attendants are happy to show you around and even give you some pointers to successfully conquer the ramps and different areas of the park. The roll-into foam pit might look daunting at first sight, but with the encouragement of other riders and helpful tips from their experienced park attendants, you may just may be willing to take the plunge!
After watching riders of every age on the pump tracks, rhythm sections, and skill sections (all different sections in the facility), the one thing that every rider shares regardless of skill level, is a smile; undoubtedly in part from the feeling of accomplishment from conquering a new section of the course.
The Complex even has all the equipment that you will need, available for rent at the front desk if you’d rather not bring your own, or don’t own any. They are fully stocked with a plethora of BMX and Mountain bikes available for rent, and suitable for any age rider.
With safety as their top priority, they also offer wrist guards, kneepads, elbow pads and helmets for rent, to maintain the safety of each rider. The facility also keeps medical staff on site at all times.
Even if you don’t plan to ride, you can visit the Complex and watch some of the amazing athleticism and talent of these action sports athletes. There is no charge for spectators, and at any time, you can witness some of the most amazing tricks you’ll ever see on two wheels or a board.
Another nice addition is their partnership with some of the local restaurants for delivery right to the Complex. There is an iPad available to order food online for the convenience of their guests.
They have even built separate party rooms in order to host an event for that special BMXer or skater in your family. Packages are available for birthday parties and other celebrations.
We’re very fortunate that when Dhers wanted to provide a safe place for children to ride their bikes and skateboards, something he never had the opportunity to do as a young kid, he chose Holly Springs for a location.
