The off-road cycling trails at Lake Storey are closed right now due to liability issues.
Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Galesburg Elizabeth Varner says the closure is “in order to maintain the safety of those utilizing our parks and trail system.”
Varner says the city is working with a volunteer Mountain Bike group as it tries to establish itself as a recognized organization.
She says it’s typical for organizations to provide required insurance for cycling trails to protect the City from liability claims.
Varner says the city “needs the insurance coverage and protection, otherwise, it is the taxpayers who will hold the entire liability should an incident occur.”
She says the city has explained this to volunteers who have taken it upon themselves to work on the bike path.
Varner has asked that they reach out to recognized organizations to aid them in becoming sponsored and recognized, along with the ability to provide the required insurance.
She says, “Galesburg Parks and Recreation takes pride in maintaining the parks and is fortunate to have individuals and groups who care to help and be involved. We just want to ensure the proper channels are followed in order to do this.”
