ATV trails One issue that came up early and came back often for Allenstown, was the thorny question of an all-terrain vehicle trail through Bear Brook Park. Under a piece of proposed legislation, House Bill 1273, up to 20 miles of new trails were proposed for Bear Brook Park one of the state's largest parks, of which 50 percent lies within Allenstown's borders. At a Jan. 6 meeting, a crowd turned out to hear officials from the Trails Bureau of the state's Department of Resources and Economic Development. The officials had few answers, irritating citizens who had expressed concern over environmental resources being harmed and the stress on local law enforcement to help provide safety and security on the trails. Noise and safety issues were also a concern. "I actively tried to get legislation into this 1273 bill to make it better," said resident Carol Martel, who lives near the park. "My main concerns are the fact that I witness kids playing 'chicken' games on ATVs now as it is, and I am concerned about the children." By early February, residents' anger had spurred action by town officials. On Feb. 11, Allenstown's board of selectmen sent a letter to the state. "If the state does not provide adequate enforcement and emergency response in the park, the local taxpayers will be forced to pay for it," stated the letter.

ATV DEBATE Rick LaCourse, ATV club president, says trails in Bear Brook for four-wheelers like his are only fair, since many other uses are allowed. (Kate Benway Photo)

Although the state is expected to collect about $200,000 in fees to use the park, Allenstown Police Chief James McGonigle has said that will not be enough to cover potential law enforcement costs which he predicts will be high.

"There is an utter disregard for the laws of New Hampshire in regard to ATVs," McGonigle said.

Although Allenstown would be the most likely to be affected by extra costs associated with the trails, several other local towns entered the fray. Town officials from both Epsom and Candia weighed in on the side of Allenstown, citing similar concerns over safety, noise and extra strain on town services.

Hooksett's town councilors, however, wrote a letter to the state in support of ATV trails in general though not specifically mentioning Bear Brook Park. Sandra McKenney, chairman of Allenstown's board of selectmen, said she was disappointed in Hooksett's position and said Allenstown simply isn't in a financial position to support ATV trails.

"We're a poor town. We can't afford to educate our children and this is a recreational thing we'll have to police with our own money," she said. "We have our own recreation department and I would like our own money to go there."