State commissioners hit trails at Gypsum City
Members take four-wheelers out in vehicle parkBy BILL SHEA, Messenger staff writer
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Members of the Iowa Natural Resource Commission weren't interested in a mere walk in the park during their local visit Wednesday.
So late in the afternoon, the folks who govern the state's outdoor recreation programs climbed aboard four-wheelers for a spin around the Gypsum City Off Highway Vehicle Park south of Fort Dodge.
Commission Chairman Bill Bird, of Lehigh, called the park ''a great addition for north central Iowa and the whole state.''
Located in played out gypsum quarries along 219th Street, the park provides a wide open place where people can legally ride four-wheelers and dirt bikes. And although the area was mined, it is now filled with trees and grass.
The park's features include 15 miles of trails, a motorcross trail for high speed riding over hills and bumps, an area for children to ride in, and the Jessica DeAnn Schmehr Memorial Training Area, where novices can learn to properly handle off-road machines. That area is named after a Somers teen who was an active member of the Webster County Wheelers, a local ATV club, before she was killed in a Feb. 17, 2007, car crash.
The property for the entire park was donated by local gypsum companies. Dan Kleen, a park organizer from Pocahontas, called the companies the ''unsung heroes'' in the quest to create the site. He offered a personal thank you to Kevin Richardson, the manager of the local United States Gypsum Co. plant, who was present to meet the commission.
Kleen told the commission that the park is about a $1 million investment. Much of that money comes from registration fees that off-road vehicle owners pay to the state.
Another 500 to 600 acres is being sought from United States Gypsum Co. for the park, he added.
Commission members started their local visit Wednesday with a trip to the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility, where they saw how inmates grow plants that will eventually be placed along state highways. They also toured the Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, where they will meet today.
Contact Bill Shea at (515) 573-2141 or bshea@messengernews.net
