Indian Hills motorcycle trail idea tabled for further study

The idea of designating a dirt path next to James Lee Park in Indian Hills is still alive following last week's public meeting, despite some opposition from residents.

General improve district trustees will take another look at the plan in August and explore other options, said district manager Jim Bentley. Some board members believe the district needs an area for dirt bike riders to play after park improvements continue.

"We need something," said Board Chairman Ron Kruse. "We have 10 percent that just don't follow anyone's rules and they're a hazard."

James Lee Park off Vista Grande Boulevard used to be a place that provided a recreation area used by motor bike and ATV riders in the area. The district recently upgraded the park by adding tennis courts, a skateboard park, ball fields and parking lots.

Mixing the uses at the park may present problems. Setting aside a designated area for dirt bikes to be allowed to ride, it might cut down on hazards like when motor bikes ride through the parking lots and "show off" to skaters and friends, Kruse said.

"Somebody's going to get hurt bad because they're being stupid," Kruse said. "We're trying to avoid that stupidity."

Trustees heard from residents last week who opposed the idea of designating 25 acres of district-owned canyon area west of the park and from some who asked them to look into other areas in the district, Bentley said.

The canyon is next to U.S. Forest Service land and Bentley said he plans to talk with the Forest Service about the plan.

"We'll do more research," Bentley said.

Resident Judy Larquier said she was concerned that designating the canyon behind the park as a dirt bike and ATV area would put other people at risk. The canyon is used by school children from Jack's Valley Elementary, and by walkers in the neighborhood.

The area is also home to hawks, an occasional eagle and a natural ecosystem.

"I've spent a lot of time back in that area over the years," Larquier said.

"Once you designate it as a dirt bike park, you're talking about a single use."

Larquier said she would like to see the canyon cleaned up and developed for use by people of all ages and for many purposes.

"There's nothing to stop those dirt bikers from expanding beyond those areas, which is quite likely to happen," Larquier said.