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Hundreds of outdoors enthusiasts crowded into the Spenard Recreation Center on Jan. 10 to hear of a proposed snowmachine usage plan in a portion of the Kincaid Park. (KTUU-TV / January 11, 2013) |
The Anchorage Parks and Recreation commission will hold a second public hearing to gather public input about access to Kincaid Park.
On Thursday night, the commission only got to hear from about half the people who signed up to talk at the Spenard Rec Center.
The second hearing will be held on February 14th.
A plan being proposed would let snowmachiners use the motocross area of Kincaid Park.
The Nordic Skiing Association argued the Kincaid trails cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to maintain and they might be damaged if snowmachiners don't stay in a designated area.
Snowmachiners say the Jodhpur motocross track inside the park is perfect for winter use.
Parks and Recreation officials say they want to find a solution so everyone can enjoy Alaska’s outdoor areas.
“Should we would be looking for another space, another site, something large enough that they can actually prepare for sno-cross likely that would include motocross, it really makes no sense to have two different locations,” John Rodda, Muni Parks & Recreation Director, said. “If we can find a big enough site to accommodate everybody, then ideally they can develop it that would accommodate their needs and interests and less impact to other people.”
Rodda said he doesn't know what the commission will decide but there are still issues to be addressed, such as noise and access to trails shared by skiers and snowmachiners.
