Board debates whether to pursue ordinance to curb motorcycles and ‘spinners’ in parks
Summary
Board members and councilors discussed recurring problems with off-road motorcycles, mini-bikes and “spinners” tearing turf in parks and asked staff to explore options including an ordinance; members cited examples in other cities.
Board members discussed complaints about motorcycles, mini-bikes and “spinners” operating in parks, tearing up turf and creating safety hazards for trail users. Members said the city currently lacks a specific ordinance targeting spinning or similar driving behavior in parks, though the special-event permit ordinance remains in effect.
Tom and others recounted incidents of vehicles tearing up turf at Community Park and said the board should consider whether a targeted ordinance would help. Board members referenced Fishers and other municipalities that passed specific ordinances to address spinning and similar conduct, and one member said the city’s special-event gathering ordinance previously applied to large assemblies but does not address small groups damaging turf.
Parks staff said enforcement is challenging and that officers sometimes prioritize other calls; council members urged exploring regulatory and enforcement options. The board asked staff to research statutory options and local ordinance templates used elsewhere and to return with suggested language and enforcement approaches.
Outcome: Direction to staff to research ordinance options and enforcement mechanisms; no ordinance introduced or adopted at this meeting.
