HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-21-2017 Item 17, WhisenandCOUNCIL MEETING: .3
ITEM NO.: •�•—
SLD CITY CLER
From: Ron Whisenand
Sent: Tuesday, March 21, 2017 7:43 AM
To: E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil@slocity.o>
Cc: Hill, Robert <rhill siocity.o>
Subject: Open Space Hours
City Council:
I am pleased that you have decided to review the City's open space policies. While I understand the motivation
behind your past decision to enforce the original closure rules, it has negatively impacted a number of citizens
and open space users. I organize a Wednesday night mountain bike ride every week. Since many of our group
have jobs and can't get out to ride before 5 or 5:30, we are limited to the few non -city trails in this county that
are open during non -daylight savings hours. Our rides are typically no more than 2 hours in length, but
finishing a ride within an hour after sunset is not always possible.
In the years that I've been riding at night, I've seen the enjoyment of our open space trails grow. When we
started out, it seemed like there were only a handful of us taking advantage of the recreational opportunities that
night riding offer. Now, it is common to see at least several other groups exploring and riding after dark.
Most of the trails open to mountain bikers are not near residential properties, where parking, noise, and other
compatibility concerns exist. The City provides adequate parking and mountain bikers generally tend to be
respectful of other users, neighbors, and wildlife.
I would appreciate if you could keep my comments in mind while you make your decision tonight. Thanks
Ron Whisenand,
mountain biker, former city employee, and generally a nice old guy who likes to ride his bikes