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Bike groups seek singletrack trails at Hammock Dunes Park; county transfer conditions and wildlife concerns complicate plan
Summary
Old Beach Bike Riders and Faster proposed singletrack and multiuse trails in the 6.1-acre Hammock Dunes Park. City staff noted county conditions limit the land to passive park uses and risk reversion; residents raised wildlife and access concerns. Commissioners asked for more information rather than approving work on the site.
Members of the Old Beach Bike Riders Association and Faster asked the City Commission on June 2, 2025, for permission to ground-proof (survey) Hammock Dunes Park and later propose a network of nonmotorized singletrack bike trails and a multiuse walking path.
"When the city acquired that property through the county, the county did set some conditions that the property could be used only as a pass through park, off beach parking, picnic, and or nature viewing area. If the property was not used for those purposes, it would revert back to the county," a city staff member noted during the presentation.
Josh Thompson, founder of Old Beach Bike Riders Association, told the commission the group is a 501(c)(3) and would partner with Faster to build low‑impact, hand‑built dirt trails about 36 inches wide for singletrack riding; Thompson said a separate, wider multiuse route would accommodate walkers and casual users. Faster president Robert Williamson described low-impact trail construction and said the group and its umbrella organization carry insurance and manage trail maintenance in other counties.
Several residents spoke in opposition, citing wildlife disruption, the park's small size (roughly 6.1 acres), nearby homes and safety concerns for rescue access. One resident who identified himself as Crum urged the commission to preserve the property as conservation land; another resident recommended a conservation designation as the city's first conservation zone.
Supporters, including youth speakers, said on‑island bike trails would give local children closer options for safe riding and that volunteer trail stewardship often reduces litter and improves site maintenance.
City staff and the city attorney reminded the commission that changing the use of the parcel could trigger the county's reversion clauses and likely would require a supermajority of the commission and a voter referendum to alter the county's original conditions. Staff also noted access from the west is constrained by private property and that easement and title questions would need resolution before a formal plan could proceed.
Commissioners stopped short of granting any city-authorized survey or special access; the city attorney cautioned that authorizing the group to act as the city's agent could raise liability and legal concerns. Commissioners asked staff to pursue additional information, public input and county clarification. The minutes record that Commissioner George asked staff to note her support for allowing the bike association to survey the park so the city could better understand access and constraints.
