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Rangers to step up enforcement on 150 miles of Metroparks Trails
Nearly 150 miles of trails in the Metroparks offer places to unwind, explore, recreate and learn about nature. But increased traffic and conflicting uses on the trials can lead to frustration for some hikers, bicyclists and dog walkers.
Starting Saturday – National Trails Day – and continuing through June, Metroparks rangers will focus additional patrols on the park district’s trail system. Special attention will be paid to the longer Wabash Cannon Ball Trail and University/Parks Trail, where fast-traveling bicycles have raised safety concerns.
“We have rules and regulations, but what’s most important on the trails is common courtesy,” said Joe Fausnaugh, chief ranger for Metroparks of the Toledo Area.
Some cyclists, he said, travel too fast to give a verbal warning when they are passing other users, so they use air horns, startling walkers and pets. Fausnaugh said rangers will be looking for cyclists traveling at excessive speed when other trail users are present and issuing citations if warranted. Bicycles are permitted only on designated bike or all-purpose trails, he added.
Running groups, such as high school athletic teams, are another source of complaints, particularly on weekday afternoons at Wildwood Preserve, Fausnaugh said. The park district issues permits for running groups, and has notified athletic directors about trail etiquette and regulations, such as running no more than two people abreast and passing on the left.
Dog walkers occasionally bring complaints, too, Fausnaugh said. Metroparks rules require dogs to be on leashes and under the control of their handler at all times. He said that retractable leashes that extend more than the legally-permitted 8 feet are a poor choice for walking dogs in the Metroparks because owners have less control, and lengthy leashes can be dangerous to passing bicyclists and other trail users.
“The bottom line is that everyone has a right to use the trails,” Fausnaugh said. “We want everyone from bird watchers to joggers and bicyclists to have a pleasant experience. We can't allow inconsiderate visitors to interfere with others' enjoyment of the parks, especially when there are safety considerations.”
Dave Zenk, superintendent of parks, said the best ambassadors for the trails are the users themselves. “Our staff and volunteers cannot be present at all times on almost 150 miles of trail, so we ask the trail users for help. Every park has a dedicated number to directly reach a park ranger on patrol. Those numbers are posted on signs at trailheads and on buildings.”
Metroparks also relies upon the 224 members of its Volunteer Trail Patrol, who are identified by yellow shirts and walk the trails to provide customer service to park visitors. The volunteers are trained in customer service, park district rules and regulations, first aid and CPR.
“America 's 200,000 miles of trails allow us access to the natural world for recreation, education, exploration, solitude, inspiration, and much more,” states the website for the American Hiking Association, sponsor of National Trails Day. “Trails take us to good physical and mental health by providing us with a chance to breathe fresh air, get our hearts pumping and escape from our stresses.”
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