Draper Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee Meeting - September 3, 2025

The Draper City Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee met on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Administration Conference Room at 1020 E. Pioneer Road. The meeting covered several agenda items including e-moto use concerns, Maple Hollow Downhill trail reconstruction, Corner Canyon Half Marathon, and a review of the Utah Trails Conference. Discussions focused on enforcement, trail maintenance priorities, and potential accommodations for electric off-highway vehicles.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of previous meeting minutes (February 5, 2025) was moved and seconded, and approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were formally recorded. However, committee members shared feedback from residents regarding e-moto use on trails, with one member stating they live near Porter Rockwell and hear Surrons whizzing at 40 mph, noting safety concerns for children. Another member mentioned that salespeople at local shops are misrepresenting Surrons as legal on trails, leading to conflicts.

Discussion Items

• E-moto Use (Surrons and similar electric motorcycles): The committee discussed the rise in complaints about Surrons and other electric off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on trails. Members noted that these vehicles are classified as OHVs under state law, making them illegal on city trails unless equipped with turn signals, brake lights, and mirrors. The city's conservation easements on open space prohibit motorized use. Options considered included building a dedicated area for Surrons, but members concluded there is no suitable space within city limits. They also discussed potential ordinances to require speed-based enforcement and sales stickers to inform buyers of trail restrictions. The committee agreed that the conservation easement and lack of space prevent accommodating motorized OHVs. Enforcement by police is ongoing, particularly at high school areas. The possibility of a pilot program for e-bikes was mentioned as a successful precedent, but the committee saw no safe way to integrate Surrons with other trail users.
• Maple Hollow Downhill Trail Reconstruction: Greg Hilbig presented a plan to prioritize reconstruction of Maple Hollow Downhill over the previously planned Octum trail. The trail has significant erosion, skidder routes, and a landslide area requiring machine work. Dustin, the trail builder, will focus on fixing switchbacks, erosion issues, and the landslide area. Some committee members expressed concern about losing the trail's primitive feel, but others supported the need for maintenance. The discussion also covered potential reroutes, a flyover bridge at the intersection with Ann's Trail (estimated cost $10,000-$15,000), and a return trail to allow users to session features without climbing back up the main trail. A site visit was planned to flag specific areas.
• Rattle and Hum Trail: A proposal was made to reopen a previously closed entrance to Rattle and Hum, connecting it to Woods Hollow to create a two-way downhill section. The committee discussed safety concerns about two-way traffic but suggested a reroute above a switchback to mitigate risks. Members agreed to flag the area for further evaluation.
• Utah Trails Conference Review: Brad Jensen and Greg Hilbig reported on classes they attended. Key takeaways included universal design for adaptive mountain biking, noting that minor trail changes (e.g., trimming bushes, widening narrow sections) can greatly improve accessibility. The committee also discussed e-bike and Surron issues from other cities, noting that no city has yet found a perfect solution. The idea of speed limit signs on trails was dismissed due to enforcement challenges. A recommendation was made to install "new feature" signs to alert riders to changed conditions, following a lawsuit threat.
• Hidden Canyon Pocket Park: A committee member noted resident interest in a pocket park at Hidden Canyon Estates, as identified in the master plan. Parking would be on-street, as the park is intended for walk-in use. Discussion also included access to Hidden Meadow for dog owners via an emergency maintenance easement on lot 45.

Key Outcomes

• The committee directed staff to prepare a policy recommendation on e-moto use, balancing enforcement with potential accommodations, to be presented to the City Council.
• Maple Hollow Downhill reconstruction will proceed first, pushing the Octum project to spring 2026. Dustin will begin work on erosion fixes and switchback repairs.
• The committee tasked Brad and Greg with flagging a potential reroute for the Rattle and Hum connector and a return trail on Maple Hollow Downhill for further review.
• The next meeting is scheduled for October 1, 2025.