Discovering "The Doug".
- alstaiger
- Aug 17
- 4 min read
The Doug Dunaway Motocross Park.
As the new Communications and Marketing Intern for the City of Harrison, and someone who has never been near a motocross track, I wasn’t familiar with the Doug Dunaway Memorial Park.
However, shortly after my work with the City began, the “Doug Dunaway Motocross Park” kept popping up. Most often, it came in the form of alerts I needed to post about the park being closed due to weather. It didn’t take long for my curiosity to spark. What was the story about this park everyone was asking about? And more importantly, who is Doug Dunaway?
I expected to find plenty of information with a quick search. Instead, I was surprised to discover there was hardly any public record of Doug himself or the history behind the naming of the park. That mystery only fueled my desire to dig deeper, and what I found is a combination of confirmed facts and community legend.
The rules, regulations, and operational details for the park are verified. However, the details of the park's memorialization and background on Doug Dunaway were put together from various rider forums and community posts. (These accounts reflect the memories and perspectives of riders and long-time park supporters and should be viewed as community-sourced history rather than verified City records.)
The Facts
According to Public Works Director Andy Seiter, the track is opened each weekday at 8 a.m. by the City of Harrison Street Department, with the Wastewater Department handling opening duties on Sunday. The Harrison Police Department closes the facility each evening at 8 p.m. If a closure is necessary, the City will post by 9 a.m. at the latest; otherwise, riders should assume the track is open.
To respect nearby residents, the City intentionally keeps the facility closed one weekend day and two weekdays each week for quiet hours.
Local Legacy
According to several community forums, the Doug Dunaway Memorial Motocross Park, also referred to simply as “The Doug”, opened in 2009 and was named in honor of Doug Dunaway, a talented local motocross rider whose life was tragically cut short in an accident in 1987. His enthusiasm for the sport and his positive influence in the motocross community inspired the park’s name.
One often-told version of the park’s creation begins in 2009, when a class of third-grade Harrison Elementary students wrote letters to then-Mayor Joel McGuire asking for a safe place to ride dirt bikes. Those requests reportedly led to a collaboration with local business leaders, including Joe Day of Western Powersports and Kevin Orschell of MotoXtremes, who donated time, equipment, and expertise to build the track on City-owned land.
Sixteen years later, the Doug Dunaway Memorial Motocross Park continues to draw visitors from across the region, offering a one-of-a-kind riding experience. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, riders, and community supporters, “The Doug” remains a free and exciting place to enjoy the sport and a lasting tribute to the rider who inspired it.
In the end, what began as simple curiosity about a name has turned into a genuine appreciation. The Doug Dunaway Park is more than just a motocross track, it’s a piece of Harrison’s history, and a reminder that the true heart of this community lies in the people who make it special.
Doug Dunaway Motocross Park Guidelines
The City of Harrison is proud to provide the Doug Dunaway Motocross Park as a free amenity for riders and families. To ensure safety, respect for neighbors, and a positive experience for all, please follow the guidelines below.
Season & Hours
Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
Gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
Riding is not permitted outside of posted hours.
Admission
Admission is free and open to the public.
Safety & Enforcement
The Harrison Police Department patrols regularly and may issue warnings or remove riders for violations.
The emergency lane must remain clear at all times for Harrison Fire Department personnel.
Emergencies
Call 911 and give the number from the nearest directional arrow.
Prohibited Items & Activities
No alcoholic beverages.
Food and drinks must stay in the parking lot.
Use provided trash receptacles to help keep the park clean.
Permitted Vehicles
Off-road motorcycles and four-wheelers only.
Trucks, automobiles, dune buggies, and bicycles are not permitted on the track.
Parking Lot Use
Riders may only use the parking lot to enter or exit the track.
Use designated lanes, stay in first gear, and apply minimal throttle.
Noise Considerations
Noise-dampening exhausts are encouraged.
Vehicles deemed excessively loud may be asked to leave.
Track Safety Rules:
Ride within your skill level and at your own risk.
Riding alone is strongly discouraged.
Less experienced riders should stay to the left or right side of the track.
Maintain a straight line over jumps; do not swerve in track lanes.
Do not stop on the track. If stalled or crashed, move off promptly.
Follow the one-way track direction indicated by arrows. Do not ride against traffic.