Where are the Seven Wonders of Genesee County parks?

[ECHO News]

From "Flint Journal" (Elizabeth Shaw): Now through June 23, park users can nominate their favorite features and places anywhere within the county park system. Everyone can vote on the nominees June 30--July 14. The winning Seven Wonders will be announced July 21.

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[denny]

There are no wonders in Genesee County. The only wonders are why it is in such bad shape!

[ddonner]

AHMEN!

Doug

[Josh McCreedy]

Hogbacks. repeat six times.

[Diesel]

Yeah, Genesee County Parks are not at all MTB friendly. A while back I asked on this board if anyone could help me with where to get started about generating a proposal to build singletrack in the bufferzone that surrounds The Mounds off road park. I got no response.

Link to that thread here:

http://www.mmba.org/viewtopic.php?t=570 ... ght=mounds

[bh357]

Hogbacks. repeat six times.

Wonder... wonder why they don't allow bicycles there. The Hogbacks has some nice terrain.

[Diesel]

Hogbacks. repeat six times.

Wonder... wonder why they don't allow bicycles there. The Hogbacks has some nice terrain.

Is there a specific ban on MTBs in the Hogbacks???

The Genesee County Parks website describes the park as being open to "hiking, fishing, and picnicking" and specifically bans "ORV's or other motorized vehicles" and hunting, but does not mention bicycles at all. It also describes the area as "multiple-user".

Are there signs on the property specifically banning bicycles???

http://www.geneseecountyparks.org/hogbacks.htm

[Josh McCreedy]

Brad, Brandon- I've been over this same question again and again and the Gen. Co. parks policy seems very vague. There is some signage in the Hogbacks (specifically at the equestrian parking area...not a coincidence) that says "No bicycles." But I've been riding back there since 1992 when I bought my first bike and it was never signed. Plenty of neighborhood kids and local mountain bikers already ride out there. The first step would be to find out the exact regulation and when it was put into effect.

I have been very hesitant to approach the Park people for various reasons, but I think it's high time to get our new AD and interested parties
together. It's unacceptable that there are no legal, recognized riding opportunities in Genesee and Lapeer counties. Logically, it would be Holly/Flint.

[Luke]

I am very familiar with the Hogbacks and have worked with Genesee County parks in the past. I would love to see legit bike trails put in out there. I think they could be designed to co-exist with current hiking/equestrian trails just fine.

If a person or group is interested in starting something up, I would be interested in donating some time and resources and helping out.

Luke

[CrisCataldo]

I am very familiar with the Hogbacks and have worked with Genesee County parks in the past. I would love to see legit bike trails put in out there. I think they could be designed to co-exist with current hiking/equestrian trails just fine.

If a person or group is interested in starting something up, I would be interested in donating some time and resources and helping out.

Luke

If I am guessing right....aren't you supposed to be taking a year off?

[Luke]

Exactly! That is why I am looking for things to do with time off. I grew up literally just miles from the Hogbacks and they could host some awesome bike trails if permission was obtained and time was put into it.

Luke

[CrisCataldo]

Exactly! That is why I am looking for things to do with time off. I grew up literally just miles from the Hogbacks and they could host some awesome bike trails if permission was obtained and time was put into it.

Luke

You interested in coordinating something like this? There are enough of the right people hanging around on this Board that could help work it out....

...especially since you've been in there enough!

[Luke]

Maybe

If others are interested, I would certainly be willing to help. I am not a trail builder or designer or anything, but I might have some organizational skills that could be useful. Especially on the whole getting permission from the Genesee County Parks to get the ball rolling.

Luke

[bh357]

Josh, Luke, Brandon, and others interested:

It definately sounds like the interest and motivation is there, we just need to get organized and get this rolling. Although I may kick myself later, I'll offer to spearhead this. One caveat, I'm very new to the advocacy and trailbuilding side of things, so I'll have a lot to learn as we go.
What type of setup do others have in mind? Open up (officially) the current trails to bikes, thereby making them shared? Add a separate mountain bike trail? My thoughts are for a separate bike trail. Although I've only been to the Hogbacks once (hiking), I did see a number of equestrians, and evidence that the trails are used frequently by equestrians. If the equestrian presence is really strong there, I think a separate trail would be an easier sell (reduced conflicts, equestrians won't feel as if we're taking "their" trail).
I fully agree that there is some great terrain there .

Brad

[CrisCataldo]

Maybe

If others are interested, I would certainly be willing to help. I am not a trail builder or designer or anything,

There are a bunch of trail designers/builders hanging about in the MMBA. I think we could hook up a few.

The biggst obstacle - is the same for us as you - it is usually working the relationship piece with the park and staying on top of it.

but I might have some organizational skills that could be useful. Especially on the whole getting permission from the Genesee County Parks to get the ball rolling.

Luke

Some? Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight. I've seen you in action. I am going to start calling you Julie the Cruise Director....

I might get over you 'taking a year off' now....especially if there is a trail that goes in.

What am I going to train for all winter now? And all that bug spray I bought???