Tuesday, December 8, 2009

FAST Track for Singletrack

This is based on a true story, but just the last line was taken verbatim. Some good dudes, local cycling advocates, had a very good idea for bringing real-live mountain biking singletrack to Sioux Falls.
If you were to take a look at Leaders Park (oh, wait: you can't see Leader's Park because it's a steep, heavily-wooded ravine tucked between a row of houses and I-229... but if you could see it from the air) you would know that there's practically no other use suitable for the park. A small amount of land area is used for a community garden, and the only other open area is used as a non-sanctioned sledding hill. The vast majority of area has been left in its natural state. The deed restrictions on the land are that it shall always be used as a park and for recreational purposes.
As part of the process for approval, a neighborhood meeting was held by the Parks & Recreation Department in order to present the proposal, answer questions and address any concerns. There were a few negative comments, including the one in the 'toon above. On the other hand, there was one neighbor who commented that it's a great idea - and that, as a realtor, she knows it will increase property values.
I believe there are one or two neighbors that think the city park should be used as a nature preserve solely for the handful of houses that border the park. I think that singletrack should be developed since it's an eco-friendly, healthy and fun ammenity for everyone in the community.

If you're concerned with public use of public park land and bringing singletrack to Sioux Falls, please view the proposal and leave a comment at the city's survey. Thanks!

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