New ATV park opens May 1

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Story Published: Apr 29, 2008 at 3:05 PM PST

By Azenith Smith

NORTH BEND, Ore. - It's been in the works since 2001, but a new ATV recreational park north of North Bend will be open to the public starting Thursday, May 1.

Purchased with a grant from Oregon State Parks and the ATV Allocation Committee, the 135-acre Riley Ranch now offers 50 camp sites with water and electricity, two camping cabins, limited ATV riding and access to Butterfield Lake.

Coos County Parks and Recreation Department Larry Robison says the county decided to develop the area to help alleviate the department's costs with the county general fund.

"We hope that Riley Ranch will make the county parks department self-sufficient," said Director Larry Robison. "We won't be in the county general fund anymore and so, the revenue generated here will go back and support the county's parks department."

And although it was originally targeted for ATV enthusiasts, he said, non-ATV riders will also see it as a nice retreat in the Oregon National Dunes.

"We're hoping that they will say that it's a little different," said Robison. "It's not just open sand. There's actually trees, a body of water, cover and places they can do lots of things rather than just ride in an open sand area, which they can still do."

This year, the park won't have sand dune access like originally planned, but the parks department is working with the U.S. Forest Service to complete permits and review any environment issues.

Once that's complete, they hope to begin construction for the access area in the fall.

For more information, call (541) 396-3121 x354.

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