Members of the Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority (GARA) board have decided not to ban electric vehicles in the park, at least for now, but rather to place warning signs along the Biser Fitness Trail.
Although the board expressed concern about the possibility of an accident, banning all motorized vehicles seemed too severe.
Board member Jimmy Phelps said he had seen a number of close calls between motorized vehicles and pedestrians already. “I’m sure something will happen eventually,” said Phelps.
But board member Steve Niebler said that a ban was too extreme. “You can’t just ban all motors, or you’ll ban electric wheelchairs as well,” Niebler said.
Niebler said it was important to allow electric bikes to use the Biser trail to cut through to the battlefield. He suggested that riders only use Class 1 e-bikes and only if they are pedaling their cycle.
“Nothing you’re going to do will fix it,” said Niebler.
In other business, GARA Executive Director Erin Peddigree said the park had been busy with three baseball tournaments, Little League, the Warriors Midget football team, the skate park, the cycle pump track, outdoor yoga, conferences, and churches using the amphitheater.
She also said the skate park had been repainted thanks to a donation from a user and help from a lot of kids.
Speaking of the pump track, which officially opened on Friday, Peddigree said “I’ve heard nothing but good things about it.”
“I’m very proud of it,” said board member Robin Fitzpatrick.
Peddigree said the Green Gathering would be having a small meeting at the American Legion Pavilion and would be planting ten trees.
Peddigree said the horseshoe pit has been removed because it was not being used and was difficult to mow around.
Peddigree said the park bathrooms will be updated this year.
Peddigree said GARA would be participating in the Giving Spree in the fall.