Trail Development Sparks Debate at Park Commission Meeting

Plans to clear trailways at Mount Hood Memorial Park have ignited a debate between bikers and hikers about how refurbished trails would be used. Melrose Park Commission officials are looking to clear trail ways to make them more accessible for park visitors.   

"There are concerns about the relationships between bikers and pedestrians," said Park Commission Chairman Mike Interbartolo. "The commission would like to have some safeguards."

Interbartolo did not discuss specific safeguards, but said that preliminary guidelines would be discussed at the Commission's next meeting on July 12. He said that one of the Commission's goals was to "develop and encourage non-golfing activities at Mount Hood."  

Tim Post, who is leading volunteer trail-clearing efforts on behalf of the New England Mountain Bike Association, said he is working to create trails that are approximately 18 inches wide with a passable height of 8 feet for bikers.  He estimates that the total cost of trail maintenance will be about $2,500.  This maintenance includes removing brush, debris, and four large logs that make trails impassable. 

"We're hoping to open more trails for pedestrians and possibly bikers," Post said.

Hikers and nature enthusiasts are specifically concerned about trails being used for pedestrian and bike traffic at the same time, as well as any environmental damage that might be caused by increased bike traffic. 

Myron Dittmer, Jr., President of the Mount Hood Park Association, expressed skepticism about an 18-inch-wide trail supporting both bikers and hikers. 

"How in God's name is that going to be shared with bikers and hikers?" he asked. "You're encouraging bikers by refurbishing the trails."

Melrose resident Mike Ryan, president of the Friends of the Middlesex Fells non-profit advocacy group, also expressed his concerns to Park Commission officials, citing recent reports of problems on the Middlesex Fells trails.  He said there is a different mindset with bikers and hikers.

"Enforcement has never happened in 20 years of the Middlesex Fells," Ryan said.  "I haven't heard a word about that tonight.  How do we prevent fragmentation of trails and degradation of resources?"

Interbartolo said that Mount Hood Park is a public resource, not conservation land.  He pledged support for dealing with problems if they arise, but said his goal was to encourage responsible use. 

"We have an obligation to maximize the usage of the facilities," said Bill Gardiner of the Park Commission. "This recreational area is designated as a recreational area and not a nature preserve. We've been struggling with this for months."

Mount Hood Park Superintendent Joan Bell said that no new trails would be created and that all impassable trails will be closed. 

"The trails need a lot of work," said Steven Locke of the Melrose Conservation Commission, a point that both bikers and hikers could agree upon. Locke will be working to move trail paths away from Towners Pond, which often floods during rainstorms. Heavy rains lead to the pond breaching its banks. "You're pretty much walking into the water," Locke said.

Phil Friel, owner of Golf Management Company, which operates the golf course through a contract with the Park Commission, said there should be no delays with trail maintenance because bikes are currently allowed on any trail at Mount Hood Park.

"The trails are so overgrown," Friel said.  "I don't think you're going to have a problem [with bikers].  We're not trying to create Disneyland here."