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Madison County committee explores leasing landfill acreage for ATV day‑riding park
Summary
Committee members discussed leasing about 185 acres of unused landfill land to a private operator to create an ATV day‑riding park, raising questions about lease terms, environmental and noise mitigation, and visitor capacity; the committee asked the operator to return with a formal proposal and presentation.
The Madison County Economic Development Committee discussed on July 14 whether to pursue a proposal to lease roughly 185 acres of underused landfill property to a private operator to host an ATV day‑riding park.
Alan (committee member) told the group the concept—modeled on operations such as a Lake Anna property—would use trails through wooded areas with modest permanent infrastructure (parking, bathrooms, pressure‑wash stations) while preserving the county’s option for more intense future uses. He said the county would likely limit its role to leasing the land and let a private operator fund and build necessary facilities. “Would we entertain the idea of developing a proposal to go in front of the board of supervisors to lease ground for this purpose?” Alan asked the committee, prompting questions about capacity, pricing and environmental controls.
Committee members asked for specifics. The operator reported prior events at a 90‑acre site drew about 100 riders in a year’s event; committee members used that example in estimating demand. Alan suggested lease structures could accommodate timber rotations alongside lease revenue and proposed deferring lease payments for one or two years to help an operator recoup build‑out costs while still delivering a new recreational asset.
The chair and others raised environmental and noise concerns: muffler/noise limits, erosion control, trail rotation and silt fencing. Alan said the prospective operator requires stock mufflers and was adopting industry noise standards and that staff had discussed erosion controls with county environmental administrators. Committee members also discussed potential synergies—food trucks, nearby lodging and festival programming—that could increase local economic benefit.
The committee did not take a formal vote but asked Alan to invite the operator back with a written proposal addressing infrastructure responsibilities, environmental and noise mitigation, and lease terms. Members also expressed interest in visiting a comparable site in Lake Anna to observe operations and mitigation measures before any formal recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.
