COAL TOWNSHIP - Representatives from Kawasaki and 16 different OHV and outdoor magazines came to the site of the proposed Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) on Tuesday in hopes of displaying the potential benefits for the area.
"We're absolutely thrilled to have everyone here," said Kathy Jeremiah, project coordinator for the AOAA who reached out to Kawasaki, a widely known manufacturer of ATVs, motorcycles and utility vehicles. "The more people we get exposed to all the potential benefits, the closer we could get to developing a facility and revitalizing the area."
Another leading manufacturer in OHV equipment, Yamaha, showed interest in the area's plans for a park earlier this month when it provided a $20,000 Yamaha Off-Highway Vehicle Access Initiative Grant for trail development, mapping and signage in the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA).
Kawasaki media representative Jon Rall said that the area has a lot to offer.
"This area has the potential to be a big draw across the country," said Rall. "It could help the whole community grow, and that's something they would be proud of."
Kawasaki came to Coal Township to test the company's latest equipment and help promote the idea of an OHV park by explaining the economic impact of having such an attraction in the area.
"It's a win/win situation," said Rall. "Not only is it very important for you and the community to have a place to go, but we also benefit by having a place for our products."
Not only would the park provide the area with another place of employment, but it would join a limited number of ATV parks in the country and would draw manufacturers and tourists to the area.
Bruce Henden, of ATVconnection.com, also said that it's "win/win" situation for the area due to his experience with other ATV parks across the U.S.
"We already see a bump in the local economy within the first year and half a park is there," he said. "They're helping local communities a great deal and I think that it will have the same result here."
Rall and the visiting magazine writers often compared the area to the Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Area of West Virginia, which instantly boosted a poor local economy.
Some local businesses have already sampled what could be an addition to the area's economy in the near future. During their week stay, Rall said that Kawasaki will spend about $75,000 almost exclusively in local businesses for lodging, food, and gas. Local catering was also provided by "Rollin in the Dough" and desert was donated by Maurer's Dairy, Shamokin.
"Personally, I like seeing new places, and it gives us a way to leave money to all the right places, the small businesses," said Rall.
Local Reception
Although Kawaski's arrival was generally kept quiet, there were a few locals stopped by to see what was going on. Rall said that all the locals he talked to were supportive, but he understands that there has been much debate in the community about the possible park.
"I wish that the people against the development of a park would come and see all of the potential here," said Rall. "It would be so sad to not see this happen."
A local OHV rider who grew up in Trevorton, Lance Schwartz is a member of the AOAA steering committee.
"I understand the opposition, but it's something bigger than that," he said. "With the economy the way it is, we have to make sacrifices. If it will stimulate the economy and bring new businesses, why not build it? We have to look at the bigger picture."
However, not everyone is on board with the idea.
Cliff Garner, a Coal Township resident, who has expressed his opposition to the construction of an OHV park at monthly township meetings feels taxpayers should at least have a say.
"It's a great idea, but the tax payer's expense is not worth it to me," he said.
Garner said he sees many OHVs go by his property on Bear Valley Road, and would rather see the tax payers' money used for a school system that will cut teacher salaries. He was also concerned that higher taxes would force low-income residents to lose their properties.
"Why don't those companies invest their money here and run it as a business?" he said. "I'm neither for or against the park, but in the end, it's the taxpayers money. They should have a vote."
Not just OHVs
Plans for the AOAA aren't just limited to OHV enthusiasts either.
"It's very family orientated," said Rall. "It's a place for families to go outside and do something."
Jeremiah said that plans will also include local equestrian teams, hiking trails, and other outdoor activities. Hilary Dyer, an editor for White Tail Journal Magazine in Birmingham, Ala., represented a hunter's perspective on the possibility of a park.
"I'm really excited that the lands are going to be open to hunting," said Dyer, a Lancaster County, Pa. native. "Pennsylvania is low on land for hunting. It is a great draw to bring people in. People need a place for outdoor recreation."