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Concord meeting draws spirited debate over proposed Martin Park bike park; environmental review, notifications and site choice remain unresolved
Summary
City Parks & Recreation presented a concept for a volunteer-managed mountain-bike park at Russell Martin Park; supporters highlighted youth safety and stewardship while abutters raised concerns about inadequate notice, wildlife impacts, wetlands, liability and the appropriateness of this specific site. The city said environmental review and further site study are required before any design.
Concord’s Parks & Recreation staff on Tuesday presented a concept for a mountain-bike park at Russell Martin Park and heard roughly two hours of public comments that ranged from guarded support to firm opposition over the location and process.
David, a Parks & Recreation staffer, opened the meeting by apologizing after some nearby residents said they did not receive notice of an earlier September session and said the city held the session to gather additional feedback before pursuing any design work. "We're redoing the meeting," David said, and emphasized that environmental review and agency clearances would be required before any construction.
Supporters — including local chapter volunteers and parents — described the park as a small, wooded facility for riders of all ages and skill levels featuring dirt features, wooden elements and a pump track, managed in large part by volunteers. Mike Davern, a volunteer from…
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