The Brown County Parks Department officially opened the Fox River and Neshota Parks trails to horseback riders for the year on Saturday, April 25 at 8 a.m.
Park officials are encouraging trail users to purchase their daily and annual passes online to avoid contact with equipment at the parks if possible. However, you can still purchase said passes at the trailhead outposts.
"As the weather warms up, we understand the community is anxious to get out," Brown County Parks Department Director Matt Kriese said, "and we are, too. It's just truly important that everyone adhere to those CDC guidelines."
"The parks are open, and we don't want to have to change that," Kriese said.
In fact, the weather controlled this year's opening date for these trails.
"We need the grounds to dry up enough to mitigate any environmental damage, so that was the only reason for spring opening," Kriese said. "We're about a week later than normal."
Horseback riding enthusiasts say they're excited that two of three major local trails opened, as they're eager to get out of the house and enjoy the spring weather.
"First ride of the year!" horse owner Judie Walker said. "Just bought this horse last year. Hopefully he'll do well."
"Just riding and getting out here" has Walker and other horseback riders excitement amidst social distancing.
Kriese also confirmed to NBC 26 that his team will be reviewing and potentially opening the Reforestation Camp bike and horse trails by next week, in addition to the Bay Shore boat landing.
"We are hoping that the weather conditions dry up enough that we will be able to open those before next weekend," Kriese said.
Park officials recognize that horseback riding lends itself to natural social distance, but emphasis remains on maintaining that distance throughout your activities.
"Now if friends are going to go out riding with friends, we obviously recommend that they take two different vehicles and two different horse trailers, and that they do maintain that six foot distance," Kriese said. "But again, with horse trails, most riders are six to fifteen feet apart. It's a little different than trail running or walking."
