Pottawatomie County conservation staff and local volunteer organizations presented a high‑level feasibility discussion to supervisors about re‑opening an off‑highway vehicle (OHV) park that operated from 1998 until flood damage in 2019 closed the site.

Conservation staff and River Valley Trail Riders volunteers described the site footprint — a mix of state DNR property and city‑owned parcels — and proposed a phased approach that would restore the old park, add a skills area and potentially develop a beginner track and administrative parking on dry ground north of the levee. Staff said the DNR indicated it would fund much of development and that OHV parks in Iowa are funded in part through an annual OHV sticker fund administered by the state; the state can provide staff or conservation officers to assist operations.

Speakers emphasized the early stage of planning and multiple open questions, including permitting with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (corps) because the wet‑side levee area should not be excavated or structurally altered. Conservation staff said development would be limited primarily to the dry side of the levee, with trail work and designation on the wet side. Noise mitigation, hours of operation (planned dawn‑to‑dusk), enforcement of a state decibel limit and coordination with the city and DNR were identified as key issues to resolve.

Volunteers said the user base is strong: the River Valley Trail Riders group estimated thousands of interested users on social media and historically large volunteer turnout for maintenance days. Speakers noted the state’s OHV program funds park staffing and maintenance through sticker revenues and that other grants (manufacturer grants from Polaris or Yamaha) could support youth or education programs.

Conservation staff asked supervisors whether the county saw any fatal flaws at this early stage. Supervisors asked about impacts on neighbors, noise controls, law enforcement and funding; no formal board action was requested or taken. Staff said they will continue stakeholder discussions and return with more detailed cost, permitting and operations plans if the stakeholders believe the project is feasible.