ATV park delayed by permit problems at an interim ATV park in Collier County.

ATV park delayed by permit problems

Last updated on: 8/27/2007 6:57:16 PM by NBC2 News

COLLIER COUNTY: A bureaucratic snag has delayed the opening of an interim ATV park in Collier County.

The park was supposed to open on July first, but now nearly two months later the land still sits empty and the project is on hold indefinitely.

When the Picayune State Forest was shut down to ATVs for the Everglades restoration project, riders were promised a new place to go.

A permanent park is being developed near Lake Trafford. It isn't supposed to open until 2009, the proposed interim park was supposed to fill the gap.

"It stinks. It royally stinks. I mean, these are only two of many bikes we ride and unfortunately, they're not running because we don't have a place to ride. I think it's another gimmick the county is trying to pull on the working class," said Stacie Alleman, who is an ATV advocate.

But Collier officials say it's not a gimmick - the delay is the result of an honest mistake.

"We'll just work through it as quickly as possible and do our best," said Amanda Townsend, who works in Collier County's Public Services Division.

Townsend says county commissioners gave the green light to an interim ATV park to open July 1st. The project was moving forward until county leaders realized they needed a final permit and an environmental study.

"Well, really you need a temporary use permit on this site before you move forward so now we have to go through that process," said Townsend.

The process could take months, meaning the park may not open until early in 2008.

ATV riders say they won't believe it until they see it.

"It has been several years already, I'm sure it's going to take another 5-6 years to get their heads out of their butts and get it straightened up," said Alleman.

County leaders say they are working as fast as they can, but can't guarantee there won't be any further delays.