Hollis Select Board Transparency Archive

And here are some of my thought i typed up to after the answers but didn't know really where to put them in that email with my responses so here they are:

Is $150,000 a lot to invest in bike trails? Yes. But I also believe our kids are worth it, and the math here is hard to argue with. Hollis has no sidewalks, almost no roads with shoulders, and we have very little control over the non stop truck traffic that passes through town daily as a result of decisions made before you or I were old enough to vote. Some people will tell you there is no need for this just send your kid on a pedal bike down the atv trails, sure maybe on a Tuesday morning but not practical with how much traffic these existing trails get on any given weekend. We could certainly build a simpler version ourselves but I think the value here is the opportunity to have an experienced trail designer create something safe durable and enjoyable, this deserves to be done right. The design is everything here. I know how to cut a trail through the woods, but I don't know the proper berm height or safe ramp spacing. That expertise is what makes the difference between a great trail and an unsafe one or worse one that no one wants to ride because it’s too boring.

It's also worth thinking about this as more than just a recreational project, trails of all sorts are a form of economic development. Trails like these draw people in from surrounding towns and beyond, and those visitors leave dollars behind. Studies consistently show that trail users stop and spend money at local businesses gas stations, restaurants, farm stands, and maybe even the on site snack shack that supports the rec kids.

Beyond the economics, there's real value in giving people (kids especially) a low entry cost barrier reason to get outside, way to stay active, and way connect with the open spaces we're lucky to have here in Hollis. Again look to the research, there is a direct connection between time spent outdoors with reduced stress and better mental and physical health. A well designed trail system does all of that while costing the town next to nothing under this grant.

This is a rare opportunity to put in $1 for $10 worth of results, not just a fun place to ride bikes, but an investment in the health, economy, and future of our town. I hope we can find a way to move it forward together.

Dan

On 2026-06-19 00:09, [email protected] wrote: > Good evening, sorry for the second email. I wanted to clarify I was > only looking for Dan to look into these questions so no need for anyone > else to respond. And Dan theres no rush on these either! I think we > can talk about it more at another meeting in the future! Thanks! > > Danielle > > > On 2026-06-18 22:55, [email protected] wrote: >> Hi Dan (and everyone), I wanted to just address some >> questions/concerns regarding the bike path/course. I first want to say >> I know you’ve put a lot of thought and effort into it so I really >> appreciate that because it’s a nice idea for kids and adults to get >> out in the town. I have a few concerns myself though.. >> >> 1- Pertaining to terry Walter’s comment about the land having multiple >> uses. I would like to see it be made clear that even with a bike >> course/path that we could still use the land to log if needed per >> forestry experts. >> >> 2- Do you have a total amount that this project would cost ? Including >> the contribution from the town along with the grant matching funds? >> >> 3- I am weary to make this a select board only vote as it’s very >> similar idea to the pickleball courts that were just voted down by the >> residents this month. If we were to “pass” anything I think it would >> be my suggestion we push this to the voters. I’m not sure if the grant >> runs that long but I feel since we just got a nay vote for the >> pickleball which was similar in fashion that it wouldn’t be right by >> the voters to appropriate the funds for a bike course without >> approval. Even with the sports complex saving money for said park. >> >> 4- Piggybacking off of #3 if the sports complex has a surplus I feel >> for us to do right by the town citizens we should be reevaluating the >> rec dept. budget. If there is a some sort of surplus maybe there is a >> possibility to lower the town budget/spending in this department. >> >> 5- I had a couple of residents reach out to me after the meeting that >> were also wondering liability issues. Like if someone is injured on >> the course could the town be opening itself up to a lawsuit? I’m >> unsure how that piece works but I figured I would mention it since a >> few residents were concerned. >> >> 6- Another resident also reached out to me today concerned about who >> would be making sure no ATV's, electric bikes, or dirtbikes are on >> said tracks. The concern would be damaging the track from the >> motorized vehicles vs the pump bikes. >> >> Again thank you for devoting so much time and effort into this because >> I think it is a nice idea for kids and adults even to get outside. I >> just don't think this should only be a select board decision as I >> stated above. If anyone else has any thoughts please feel free to add >> ! >> >> Danielle

-- Dan Yarumian Town of Hollis Select Board [email protected]