Adding to its host of winter offerings including free snowshoeing and several groomed cross country skiing trails, Geauga Park District was excited this winter to introduce a pilot program for snowmobilers at Observatory Park in Montville Township, in the northeast quadrant of Geauga County.
The program distributed 40 permits that allowed permit-holders to utilize a trail at the park Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Riding snowmobiles in the park was permitted only on designated portions of the Nassau Connector and Woodland Loop trails.
Despite a season of below-average snowfall, snowmobilers jumped at the opportunity, said Chip Hofstetter, president of the Ohio State Snowmobile Association. More than the allotted 40 permits were requested.
“Everybody was very receptive to it,” he said. “Obviously we want more use and more miles, because with snowmobiles it’s more about miles than loops and circles. But this is right off our trail system of landowners, so we can run in there, ride it and run out.
“It’s not many miles, but it’s a start. Geauga County is a beautiful community to live in, great parks, businesses, financially. And it’s a hidden gem.”
Geauga Park District Executive Director John Oros presented the pilot program to the Board of Park Commissioners on January 12 to forward Park District’s mission to provide outdoor recreational experiences to residents of every age, every ability and at all times of the year.
“We were happy to provide accessibility to Observatory Park and its trails,” Oros said. “This is just another example of expanding our services to a variety of park users and outdoor enthusiasts. When outdoor programs like snowmobiling are conducted responsibly, there is truly something for everyone at their Geauga County parks.
“This program was a success because families who are invested in snowmobiling care about the reputation of this outdoor activity. I heard from a number of people who enjoy riding together as a family. They are responsible snowmobile club members, park users, trail stewards and valuable citizens of our county. They deserve to use their parks.”
Click here for information about opportunities to snowmobile in Geauga Park District in the winter of 2016-17.
This article is brought to you by Geauga Park District
