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Firm proposes off-road park to Yucca Valley
By Mark Wheeler / Hi-Desert Star
YUCCA VALLEY - The town council heard a report at Thursday night's meeting which proposed an off-road vehicle park for Yucca Valley. Gil Meachum of Meachum and Associates, Porterville, outlined his design for an 80 to 100 acre park to be located near the town's northernmost boundary off Old Woman Springs Road, near Aberdeen.
A committee formed to study off-road use here suggested the establishment of a designated park within town limits for OHV activity. Meachum first addressed the subject in October and received council approval to do a more in-depth proposal.
Strictly in the concept phase, Meachum described a facility designed for multiple OHV uses, from novice to expert.
Money for its construction and initial operation would come from the state "Green Sticker" program, which is a licensing fee for off-road vehicles. User fees are also expected to complete the entire budget picture.
Construction and first-year operation, according to Meachum's projections, would amount to $350,000 to $700,000 depending on environmental impact findings.
Again, the plan calls for all this to be paid for with state Green Sticker grant funds and gate fees.
When open for business, his most conservative estimates for first-year use is 3,000 to 3,500 riders, and a gate fee revenue of $60,000.
The proposal also provides for a 10 percent gain to the Town from the gate receipts.
Land for the facility would be leased from a 640-acre parcel owned by the Town. Additional development on the land might include an industrial park, which Meachum favors, having seen similar land-use partnerships succeed in other places.
Council members noted the idea is intriguing and even appealing, and all agreed to give it further attention in near-future discussions.
In other business, a proposed advisory ballot measure suggested for the November election to gauge community sentiment toward special taxes was rejected. Further discussions are planned to determine the Town's best course of action for gaining public response on this issue.
A committee formed to study off-road use here suggested the establishment of a designated park within town limits for OHV activity. Meachum first addressed the subject in October and received council approval to do a more in-depth proposal.
Strictly in the concept phase, Meachum described a facility designed for multiple OHV uses, from novice to expert.
Money for its construction and initial operation would come from the state "Green Sticker" program, which is a licensing fee for off-road vehicles. User fees are also expected to complete the entire budget picture.
Construction and first-year operation, according to Meachum's projections, would amount to $350,000 to $700,000 depending on environmental impact findings.
Again, the plan calls for all this to be paid for with state Green Sticker grant funds and gate fees.
When open for business, his most conservative estimates for first-year use is 3,000 to 3,500 riders, and a gate fee revenue of $60,000.
The proposal also provides for a 10 percent gain to the Town from the gate receipts.
Land for the facility would be leased from a 640-acre parcel owned by the Town. Additional development on the land might include an industrial park, which Meachum favors, having seen similar land-use partnerships succeed in other places.
Council members noted the idea is intriguing and even appealing, and all agreed to give it further attention in near-future discussions.
In other business, a proposed advisory ballot measure suggested for the November election to gauge community sentiment toward special taxes was rejected. Further discussions are planned to determine the Town's best course of action for gaining public response on this issue.
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| CMC to put tax before voters |
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