09-14-2007, 01:10 AM
A recent expansion of the Appleton Area Recreation Park has provided exciting new ATV and off road vehicle riding opportunities for visitors, according to Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Area Trails and Waterways Supervisor Gregg Soupir.
"Based on car-trailer counts in the parking areas, the word has obviously spread quickly about the new riding experiences at the park," Soupir said. He said the DNR and Swift County worked collaboratively to secure easements on 225 acres of adjacent lands in order to construct several miles of new trails.
The expansion provides opportunities both for traditional off-highway motorcycles (OHMs) and ATVs as well as the newly classified Class II ATVs and off-road vehicles (ORVs). Class II ATVs are 900 to 1500-pound class vehicles such as Gators and PUG's Polaris Rangers.
The newly classified ORVs are 1500-pound and over 4x4 vehicles that are able to deal with uneven terrain, logs, rocks and tight corners.
Another new addition to the park is a recently constructed ATV Youth Training Operator Course available for area instructors and students to use for the operation portion of the ATV certification test that is required for young operators to operate on public land in Minnesota.
With an emphasis on safety, all trails at the park are posted with "difficulty symbols" at the beginning of each trail, ranging from less difficult to most difficult. Riders are urged to familiarize themselves with the meaning of the symbols and never attempt to ride a trail that might exceed their ability as a rider.
The park was opened in 2003 on 110 acres of a former gravel mine and more traditional county park. "It has been popular from the start," Soupir said, "drawing riders from as far away as the Twin Cities metro area."
While there is no charge to use the park, all vehicles using the park trails must have a current DNR registration displayed. Riders are also expected to be familiar with current rules and regulations concerning noise levels, ages and safety certificates and safety helmet requirements, and stay on designated trails only.
The Appleton Area Recreation Park is located one-half mile north of Appleton on State Highway 59.
"Based on car-trailer counts in the parking areas, the word has obviously spread quickly about the new riding experiences at the park," Soupir said. He said the DNR and Swift County worked collaboratively to secure easements on 225 acres of adjacent lands in order to construct several miles of new trails.
The expansion provides opportunities both for traditional off-highway motorcycles (OHMs) and ATVs as well as the newly classified Class II ATVs and off-road vehicles (ORVs). Class II ATVs are 900 to 1500-pound class vehicles such as Gators and PUG's Polaris Rangers.
The newly classified ORVs are 1500-pound and over 4x4 vehicles that are able to deal with uneven terrain, logs, rocks and tight corners.
Another new addition to the park is a recently constructed ATV Youth Training Operator Course available for area instructors and students to use for the operation portion of the ATV certification test that is required for young operators to operate on public land in Minnesota.
With an emphasis on safety, all trails at the park are posted with "difficulty symbols" at the beginning of each trail, ranging from less difficult to most difficult. Riders are urged to familiarize themselves with the meaning of the symbols and never attempt to ride a trail that might exceed their ability as a rider.
The park was opened in 2003 on 110 acres of a former gravel mine and more traditional county park. "It has been popular from the start," Soupir said, "drawing riders from as far away as the Twin Cities metro area."
While there is no charge to use the park, all vehicles using the park trails must have a current DNR registration displayed. Riders are also expected to be familiar with current rules and regulations concerning noise levels, ages and safety certificates and safety helmet requirements, and stay on designated trails only.
The Appleton Area Recreation Park is located one-half mile north of Appleton on State Highway 59.