Park staff propose allowing class 1 and 2 e-bikes on trails; Open Space Institute closing prompts funding-resolution request

At the Park District portion of the July 21 meeting, Brent, a park staff member, asked the board to reconsider a rule that currently reads broadly as "no motorized vehicles are allowed" on trails and suggested aligning the district's language with state guidance that typically permits class 1 and 2 e-bikes below 20 mph.

Brent said the district has begun an inventory of trail signage and recommended updating signs if the rule is revised. He told commissioners: "class 1 and 2 ebikes are okay up to 20 mile per hour" and recommended the board keep rule language generalized and consistent with Department of Natural Resources (DNR) guidance rather than listing every device type.

Park staff (Jack) reported increasing trailer and visitor use, saying counts are "up to the 4 to 6,000" and that the park draws visitors from across Ohio and beyond; staff noted two recent overseas visitors in the last month. Brent also said the Open Space Institute (OSI) expects to close in November and requested the board pass a resolution now so funding can be available on the day OSI closes.

The meeting included a small engineering request: the engineer's office reported a quote of roughly $5,000 to repair a crash center and asked whether the board could absorb the expense within the current budget or via a small transfer; board members asked to see the spreadsheet before committing to a transfer.

Why it matters: Changing trail rules would affect trail users, enforcement and signage; aligning with state guidance could reduce conflicts but raises enforcement questions, especially for juveniles and devices that are hard to classify by sight. Preparing a funding resolution for OSI would let the Park District move quickly on land-conservation closing dates.

Quotes and attributions: Brent (park staff) said the park's rule currently reads that "no motorized vehicles are allowed" and suggested updating it to reflect state practice; he added that the board should "not make it too terribly specific, but keeping it a little bit generalized going forward." Jack noted the park's growing use and described it as becoming "a destination." The engineer's office described a repair quote "all in the 0.25" and estimated about $5,000.

Next steps: Staff will draft suggested rule language and an updated signage plan, provide the engineer's quote and spreadsheet for the board's review, and prepare a resolution for potential adoption so OSI funding can be ready by its anticipated November closing.