Fwd: France Park - potentially big opportunity

[Charlie Myer]

Lafayette MTBers

This came through and I thought it might be of some interest to Lafayette MTBers.

Charlie Myer

Union, KY

Begin forwarded message:

From: Brian Holzhausen <bri...@dinoseries.com>

Subject: France Park - potentially big opportunity

Date: August 2, 2012 1:33:05 PM EDT

To: PARLI...@msn.com, Ale...@comcast.net, mhuf...@aol.com

Cc: NIMBA...@gmail.com, cbi...@gmail.com, pru...@facebook.com

All,

France Park just had a huge shakeup in management. The Park board was dismissed, and the park superintendent (manager) was fired. 

I spoke with the new manager today. He is young, enthusiastic, and has goals of establishing new things in the park such as rock climbing, cliff diving, and zip lines. He would like to attract more events like DINO. He is extremely interested in getting some input on how to improve the park's trail system. 

Those of you that have ridden there know it is very unique. I think there is a huge potential for truly great trails... some of what's there now is very cool (great clifftop segments, etc). There's also great potential for things like DH & "black diamond" / expert trails. I'm thinking of Schooner at BCSP.

There is nothing else (that I am aware of) in northern Indiana that has this "wow factor".

In the past, two things have hindered mountain bikers from using the park (and very nearly caused DINO to relocate from it):

1) entry fee - always has been on the high end, and in the past few years has been extreme ($7/day to enter and ride). The new supt. offered to lower costs on DINO weekend and this may be an indication of future pricing strategy.

2) park staff / guest interactions - park staff has often rubbed people the wrong way. Change in management is a huge start, some of the old staff is gone, and the new manager agrees with that concern I expressed and wants to change that historical attitude.

Would one of you be willing to meet with me and the park superintendent to consider future changes / additions? I know the park well and could lead you to a few areas of interest.

Please forward this to others who may be interested, especially those who live relatively near the park.

--
Brian Holzhausen
DINO Director
www.DINOseries.com
317-336-7553