Snowmachine Park Proposed for Kincaid

Skiing association says snowmachines would be a safety risk

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By Heather Hintze
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Story Created: Jan 3, 2013 at 6:51 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jan 3, 2013 at 7:31 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - The signs around the Jodhpur Motocross area in Kincaid Park are clear: No motorized vehicles in the winter.

The Sno-X Lions Club wants that to change, though, turning the summer dunes into a winter playground for snowmachines.

“The benefit is you get to introduce the young kids of our town to snowmobiling, and organized snowmobiling in a safe, controlled environment with rules. And you can teach them what's expected of them,” said Dane Ferguson, president of the Sno-X Lions Club.

Ferguson said the motocross park is the perfect—and only—place for a snowmachine park within city limits. “There was no longer any other property available within the Anchorage area to hold sanctioned, organized racing events and because it already exists as a motocross track in the summertime.

Anchorage Nordic Skiiing Association members said they know most snowmachiners are responsible but with ski trails so close to the proposed area, they worry about those who don’t abide by the rules.

“They venture on to the non-motorized trails and especially at night, dark trails, snowmachines, small children. It's primarily a safety issue,” said Executive Director Diane Moxness.

Ferguson said he doesn’t think that will become as issue. “I think with self-policing, singling individuals out if they become a problem and using temporary closures or the threat of a possible complete closure again. I believe self-policing would be a very easy issue.”

The municipality closed Kincaid to snowmachines in 2008 after a number of problems. Parks and Recreation Director John Rodda said since the proposal has been brought up he’s gotten a lot of feedback on the issue.

“It's extremely important everyone gets their voice heard. I don't know what the decision will be or if there will be a decision next week. I honestly couldn't tell you one way or the other,” said Rodda.

Parks and Rec will hold a public hearing January 10 at the Spenard Rec Center at 6 p.m.

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Dan said on Friday, Jan 11 at 10:23 AM

Not a snowmachiner nor a skier, but after living here over 40 years, what I see is the skiers expanding there areas each year, excluding dog walkers, snowmachiners, horses, basically everyone except more and more skiers. I think they need to be reined in a bit.

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Robo said on Friday, Jan 4 at 8:27 PM

Self policing...too many stupid people out there for it to work -- and don't care to follow rules. I'll just wait til someone is killed or loses a limb and wait for the hand-wringing.

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