Gypsum City OHV Park by Newspaper

GYPSUM CITY

OHV

PARK

THE

essenger 2022

Over the years, OHV enthusiast Larry Leiting, of Fort Dodge, had grown accustomed to hauling his four-wheeler out-of-state to enjoy some good riding. Then he got an idea, which is now a reality. That idea meant that he would only have to travel just outside the city limits for that kind of experience. Leiting envisioned an OHV park on land southeast of the city that had been worked over by generations worth of gypsum mining. His idea inspired others and fueled the creation of both a new riding group and the Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park. Discussions began with representatives of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Gypsum Companies and the Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as other local groups. A local entity was determined to be needed so fellow OHV riders Matt Cooper and Rick Williams joined Leiting to form the Webster County Wheelers. Park advocates met repeatedly with representatives of the four gypsum companies then doing business locally. They were BPB Manufacturing, Georgia-Pacific Corp., National Gypsum Co., and United States Gypsum Co. Getting those companies to donate some of their played-out quarries for the park was the goal for OHV riders. Two things resonated from those discussions: the need for an official entity, preferably a 501C3 organization, and that there were concerns over future liability exposure to the Gypsum companies. A coalition was them formed between Dan Payne and individuals at the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Fort Dodge City Planning Department. Potentially available properties were

identified as well as an organization that would be acceptable to the Gypsum Companies. That organization that owns the park is the Webster County Improvement Corporation, a 501C3 nonprofit Iowa Corporation. The group continued to work with National Gypsum, United States Gypsum and Georgia Pacific. Concurrently, Shive Hattery, an engineering firm from West Des Moines was hired to develop a basic design framework and identify long term strategies. As these plans were being developed, it appeared that United States Gypsum was going to be the biggest contributor for the plans to work and therefore Kevin Richardson, the local USG plant manager became an irreplacable bridge to corporate USG in the discussions. Kevin Richardson was all-in and, along with Matt Benzi, was the primary communication link with Terry Davis and Chris McElroy at corporate headquarters. Without their support and buy-in, this project would not have happened. In September 2004, the Iowa Natural Resources Commission approved the creation of the park that was owned by the Webster County Improvement Corporation and designated it as a state park in Iowa. Also in late 2004, National Gypsum Co. donated 500 acres of land, giving OHV riders the first piece of their new park. The first section of the park opened in 2006. It included 15 miles of trails, a motorcross track and an area for teaching children how to properly ride off-highway vehicles. cont. on page 4

Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

Congratulations on 15 years! Visit our website or come see us today! www.autodriveinc.com Monday-Friday 9-6, Saturdays 9-3 and closed Sundays.

2944 5th Avenue South, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 (515) 955-3399 Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

At this point, future liability exclusion was still a deal breaker, so the work group talked to the legislative services bureau and our legislative delegation in Des Moines. Former Representative Helen Miller stepped in to propose a narrowly crafted legislation that would remove gypsum companies from potential future liability if their land was to be transferred to an Iowa 501C3 corporation for use as an OHV park. This legislation was introduced and approved by the Iowa legistature after significant local support. It was then supported in the Senate with the help of Daryl Beall, our then Senator, the park was approved by the IDNR in 2004.

At that point Dan Kleen, a Pocahontas native and the head of the State OHV Association and also Federally involved, joined the work group and was instrumental in guiding the group though design and funding needs to build the park. He too was a primary reason the park is what it is today. In the end, there has been no less than 18 different groups and entities that have played a role in the development of this park.

Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

Over

10,000,000

has been invested

Parking for 350 vehicles with trailers

Laufersweiler & Sievers FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER

307 S. 12th Street • Fort Dodge 515-576-3156 www.laufersweilerfunerhome.com

Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

BY WYNDHAM

ALL the Amenities to feel at Home!

2938 5th Ave. South (Bus. 20) • Fort Dodge 515-573-5000 • (800) 337-0550 baymontinns.com • wyndhamhotels.com

WELCOME TO: GYPSUM CITY

By KELBY WINGERT kwingert@messengernews.net

An eye-catching wall of brick adorned with carbon steel mining carts found its home in 2020 welcoming visitors to Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park, 2390 Mill Road.

Every year, we write a grant for the operations, maintenance and development for that park and that’s really how it’s been built over the years.”

The wall and sign project got started in the fall of 2019, but with weather delays, was mostly completed in the spring of 2020, said Matt Cosgrove, Webster County conservation director.

The project is more than just the wall by the highway – it will include another sign closer to the park’s entrance, which has yet to be installed.

The final part of this installation, the lighting, was completed by Bemrich Electric & Telephone.

“Gypsum City is Iowa’s largest OHV park and we wanted it to have a sign that looks like it’s actually a destination, so that’s the reason for the signs and the costs,” Cosgrove said. “To show it off as a major attraction and destination for Webster County and the Fort Dodge area.”

The $100,000 project was funded through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources ATV registration grant. “When people register their machines to ride in the park, the seven parks in Iowa compete for that money every year for development and operations and maintenance,” Cosgrove said. “Last year, we were awarded the money for that sign project.

GETANDOUT

RIDE ENJOY THE LARGEST OHV PARK IN IOWA!

Cosgrove said that when planning the wall and sign, it was important to honor the mining history of the area, which is why the four steel mining carts sit atop the wall. “The park was developed on former mining property,” he said. Cosgrove believes the new welcoming signs truly make Gypsum City look like a “destination” rather than just any ordinary park. “People now realize they have arrived at the park, when before it was pretty uneventful – if you didn’t know it was there, you didn’t know,” he said. “This at least, I think, makes it pop.”

CELEBRATING

YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT

Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

Trails are open sunrise to sunset. The park may close due to heavy rainfall or maintenance activities. Please check the Iowa DNR website for closures and a complete list of rules and regulations.

• It leaves ruts • It can ruin the trails • It contributes to erosion • Creates unridable, hard-to-fix trail surfaces Help us spread awareness and encourage everyone to be considerate trail users!

https://www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Off-Highway-Vehicles and Education

Proud supporters of Gypsum City OHV Park 1864 Kountry Lane • Fort Dodge, IA 50501 www.randjmaterialhandling.com

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Sales - Service - Parts - Rental Office: 515-955-3400 Fax: 515-576-4201 www.randjmaterialhandling.com Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

2021 6th Ave South Fort Dodge, IA 50501

Phone: 515-576-1149

www.bergmanplumbinginc.com plumberdon53@gmail.com

A Quick Glance into the Maintenance Process

BEFORE

AFTER

Adopted from “Great Trails: Providing Quality OHV Trails and Experiences” Written by Dick Dufourd

Bridge instillation.

1. Create trail maintenance work plan • Outlines maintenance objectives and how they will be accomplished (equipment and materials needed). 2. Maintenance specifications • These specifications are essential for accountability, quality control and consistency in the maintenance performed. 3. Preforming condition surveys • Routine surveys or assessments form the backbone of the annual maintenance plan by identifying maintenance needs. 4. Setting priorities • Items from the condition survey need to be prioritized and organized in a logical progression that will make efficient use of the personnel and equipment. 5. Schedule work • Sequence the work that needs to be done and decide roughly when it will be accomplished. 6. Record and Report • If it isn’t in writing, it didn’t happen. Recording the performance of maintenance helps staff track accomplishments of the annual plan and ensure that other work stays on schedule.

Bridge instillation.

Fixing ruts and creating drainage. Fixing ruts and creating drainage.

Trail trimming

Culvert installation

Fixing ruts and creating drain

Trail Trimming

Culvert Installation Trail trimming

Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

Beautiful Day to Ride and Learn

Survey Study: 2021 543 Participants

Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

Even though the park opened in 2006 there are plenty of people and riders that have not visited the park. A group of bloggers came to tour the park so they could share their experience with the internet. It was a fun day and no one wanted to leave. 9

this time the park leadership role would change hands to the Webster County Conservation Board. Currently the park consists of almost 800 acres, over 60 miles of trail and a 33 site campground. There is still opportunity for the park to grow in size as mining activity continues in the area.

- Know the rules of the park and obey all posted signs. - Stay on posted trails.

SIGNAGE Happy & Safe Riding!

signs are located at the beginning of The park has overTrailhead 60 miles of trails, each trail and at intersections. These signs list NATURAL RESOURCES which can accommodatethe specific machines types. direction of travel, trail number, difficulty rating which machines allowed. Even though theThroughout entire propertythe of the Gypsum park you will see trailand markers that canare help you The intersection ahead markers are located ahead City OHV Park was once mined, a lotsafely of timenavigate and the trail system. money has been spent trying to restore the land to its previous condition. Some of the wildlife you can expect to see at the park includes white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, pheasants, beavers, reptiles and a variety of songbirds. Several fishing ponds throughout the park provide good fishing opportunities throughout the year. Anglers have been known to catch largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and perch. The ponds also provide a great habitat for nesting Canada geese and a resting area for a variety of waterfowl in the spring and fall. Remember all state fishing laws apply including size and daily limits and there is no hunting within the park. Raspberry bushes and morel mushrooms are also found throughout the park.

of an intersection which gives the operator time to slow down and check for cross traffic. Please note what types of machines are allowed on any particular trail. It is prohibited to take a machine that is not allowed on a trail. This is for your safety and to protect the integrity of the trail.

Iowa D Wallac 502 Ea Des Mo 515-72 www.io

PARK Travel Direction Trail Number

Level of Difficulty Permitted Machines

RIDER RESPONSIBILITIES OHV recreation is a great way to enjoy the outdoors but there is a risk and responsibilities to operating these machines. Some things to consider before you ride: - Make sure someone knows where you are and what time you plan on being back. - Always bring a cell phone and 10 put it in a secure pocket on you, not your machine. - Be sure to wear protective

Webste 1415 N Fort Do 515-57 www.m www.fo

JUNCTION MARKER A black on yellow intersection symbol indicates a trail junction ahead.

PARK CLOSURE The soil composition of the park consists of primarily rock and clay from previous mining activities. Therefore, during periods of heavy rainfall or inclement weather, the park or certain phases of the park may be closed to prevent trail damage. You can check to see if the park is open by visiting the webpage www.iowadnr. gov/OHVclosures. If you are planning on making a trip to the park make reservations in the Gypsum Cityor Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022 campground be sure to check the weather forecast in advance.

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Fun on the Kids Track! Gypsum City OHV Park accommodates to all ages and skill levels of riders. Enjoying a day at the park with friends always makes for a great day!

Survey Study: 2021 543 Participants

Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

Congratulations Gypsum City OHV Park THE

essenger PRINT | ONLINE | MOBILE

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Congratulations Gypsum City OHV Park on your 15th Anniversary!

2723 5TH AVE. S. FORT DODGE 515-576-7505 WWW.FDFORD.COM 12

Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

800 acres of fun: OHV Park largest in state; Park offers 65 miles of trails as well as a motocross track By BILL SHEA bshea@messengernews.net A handful of off-highway vehicle enthusiasts from around Fort Dodge used to look at former quarry land south of the city and see lots of opportunities for some great riding. Their vision, hard work and perseverance paid off. Now, they and every other OHV rider from Iowa and the Midwest can take advantage of the miles of trails found within Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park. “The riders are going to have an excellent experience here,” said Dan Kleen, of Pocahontas, who is a former president of the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council. “It’s the biggest project we’ve done in Iowa by far and the most successful project in terms of partnerships, getting everybody working together and looking at the big picture,” he added. The first section of the park opened July 8, 2006. Since then, the site has steadily grown to become the largest of its kind in the state.

Within those acres, visitors will find 65 miles of trails, a 1.5 mile motocross track, a short track for kids learning to ride, a campground and a couple of tiny houses people can stay in. The ground had been mined for decades, yielding gypsum that was used in building projects throughout the Midwest. Although it was heavily mined, the area today is filled with trees and other vegetation. There are four ponds in the park. To make the site into a park first required some legislative work. Former state Rep. Helen Miller, Fort Dodge, authored a bill that would relieve the gypsum companies of any liability associated with the park if they donated the property. After that bill was signed into law, creation of the park moved forward. Construction started in October 2005 on land donated by Georgia-Pacific Corp. and National Gypsum Co. Construction of the park was financed mainly with revenue from registration fees that OHV riders pay to the state.

The second area of the park opened in 2014. The site now consists of 800 acres on both sides of Webster County road P59.

Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

Survey Study: 2021 543 Participants

Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

Let’s go Camping!

Being a destination park, the campground sees many visitors from all over the Midwest. Having the ability to reserve a campsite makes planning a trip to the park effortless!

Camping in Comfort! Gypsum City OHV Park campground offers pull-through site accommodations with full hook-up or water and electric options. If you didn’t reserve a site, you will need to visit the self-registration kiosk to reserve your campsite.

Survey Study: 2021 543 Participants

Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

Most campsites at Gypsum City OHV Park Campground can be reserved. Sites 1 – 8 are available on a first come, first served basis. The remaining sites may be reserved at www.mycountyparks.com

CAMPING

The Gypsum City Campground is located within the park. The campground consists of a total of 33 camping sites, full service restroom with showers and a park office. There are 15 full-service sites which include water, electricity and sewer hookup and 18 sites which include water and electricity only. Each site consists of a drive through camping pad, fire ring and picnic table. There is also a dump station located within the campground. Firewood is available for purchase at posted times. The campground has several trail access points in which campers can access the park’s trails from the campground. Certain sites are reserveable, please visit mycountyparks.com for additional information or to make a reservation. Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

Webster County Conservation Board Tiny House Project The project was created through a joint venture with Iowa Central Community College’s Carpentry Program that is housed in the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility. Iowa Central Community College Instructor Dan Oswald coordinates the program. A pilot program through a federal “Second Chance” Pell Grant funded the project. Traditional students were not using the allocated money for Pell so

the funds were used to offer college level classes and degrees in the walls of the prison. The houses were constructed inside the correctional facility by inmates learning the construction trades and were delivered to the park upon completion. Each house took approximately a semester to complete from start-to-finish. The houses in include a restrooms, sleeping areas, kitchens and air conditioning. The houses offer a variety of themes (Mill House, Hunting Cabin, Bunk House) and different floor plans. They can accommodate two – four guests. The houses are available for rent on the www.mycountyparks. com website for $50-75 per night.

The Mill House • Sleeps 2 • $50/night

A Stay with a View! Within the campground of Gypsum City OHV Park you can find three Tiny Homes. While enjoying the amenities in the Mill House you will be surrounded by the Gypsum Mining history that occurred prior to the park and is still happening around it! 18

Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

The Hunting Cabin • Sleeps 2 • Wheelchair friendly • Ramp, widened door openings and lowered counter-tops • $75/night

The Bunk House • Sleeps 4 • $75/night

Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

Webster County Improvement Corporation works with Wheelers, City and gypsum companies to investigate land availability

2003

2000 Webster County Wheelers (local riders club) contact gypsum companies to investigate land availability

Iowa DNR designates area as an All-Terrain Vehicle park

2004

2004 Helen Miller spear-heads legislative change, to eliminate liability for gypsum companies donating land for public riding

Grand opening of Gypsum City OHV Park, Phase 1 (approximately 300 acres)

OCT. 5th

2006

2004 Cooperative agreement signed between DNR, WCIC & Wheelers for park management and development

Began work to acquire Phase 2 of the Park, from USG

2007

2009 Signed lease with USG for Phase 2

Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

Cooperative agreement updated to include Webster County Conservation as a park management partner

2011

Phase 3 trails open

1st Tiny Home (Mill House)

Amateur super cross track is built

Started trail counter data

AUGUST

FALL

AUG. 14th

APRIL

2015

2019

2018

2021

SEPT. 12th

SUMMER

NOVEMBER

Phase 2 Grand opening & ribbon cutting

Campground Opens

Next 2 tiny homes arrive

Construction begins for portal of signs

2014

2017

Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

2019

Revenue

June 2021 2020-2021 OHV Camping Online $4,686 $42,614 OHV Camping In-House $3,550 $20,142 Tiny Homes $1,236 $17,710

June 2020 2019-2020 $3,408 $10,954 $4,009 $14,886 $1,798 $3,875

On-line camping increased approximately 300%!

Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

Born to Ride To check the closure status of the OHV park, please visit www.iowadnr.gov -> Things To Do -> Off-Highway Vehicles and Education Iowa's largest OHV Park, Gypsum City, offers 800 acres and 65 miles of trails through rolling hills and timber. Located southeast of Fort Dodge, the park serves as a destination for ATVs, dirt bikes, side by sides and snowmobiles. In addition to trails, the park includes a 1.5 mile motocross track, an amateur supercross track, a youth track and a beginner/safety training area.

Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

Day Date! On a sunny day at Gypsum City OHV Park you can find many riders enjoying the trails and taking in the scenery around them. There are many locations to safely pull over and snap a picture of you enjoying a beautiful view.

Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

2022 Memorial Day Weekend Stats Entrance Phase 2 Sat., May 28, 2022 200 65 Sun., May 29, 2022 209 222 Mon., May 30, 2022 169 81 Tues., May 31, 2022 69 4 Wed., June 1, 2022 66 20 Thurs., June 2, 2022 81 23 Fri., June 3, 2022 139 73 Sat., June 4, 2022 165 97 Sun., June 5, 2022 164 58

Trail Counter

Did you know

Gypsum City OHV Park is 100% funded through an annual registration sticker that is required to ride at the park.

Phase 3 61 80 49 5 11 25 48 54 28

2021 Memorial Day Weekend Stats Entrance Phase 2 Fri., May 28, 2021 100 0 Sat., May 29, 2021 220 0 Sun., May 30, 2021 200 140 Mon., May 31, 2021 240 107 Tues., June 1, 2021 35 9 Wed., June 2, 2021 45 13 Thurs., June 3, 2021 45 20 Fri., June 4, 2021 140 58 Sat., June 5, 2021 200 125

Phase 3 0 0 55 60 8 15 20 36 70

Congratulations

Congratulations Gypsum City OHV Park on your 15th Anniversary!!

Jeep p

3126 5th Avenue South | Fort Dodge, Iowa | 515-573-7164 www.shimkat.com

Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

Progress through Partnerships! • Webster County Conservation Board • Webster County Wheelers • Webster County Improvement Corporation • City of Fort Dodge • Webster County • Iowa Department of Natural Resources • Iowa Department of Transportation • Fort Dodge Convention and Visitors Bureau • Georgia Pacific • National Gypsum • United States Gypsum • National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council • Iowa Off-Highway Vehicle Association

and many more!

Ride with us!

Congratulations on 15 Successful Years!

CONGRATULATIONS ON 15 YEARS!

Thank you for your contributions to the quality of life in the Fort Dodge region.

24 North 9th Street, Suite A | Fort Dodge, IA 50501 greaterfortdodge.com

515-295-7591 1011 S Phillips St. Algona, IA 50511

www.sportsmanscorner.net Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

L-R: Joel Rohne (Worth County IT director and Excellence in Action Selection Committee), Lindsay Laufersweiler (Webster County Recorder and Excellence in Action Selection Committee), Matt Cosgrove (Director of Webster County Conservation), Tasha Nielsen (Trail Technician at Gypsum City), Cody Peterson (Operations Supervisor of Webster County Conservation) Carla Becker (Iowa State Association of Counties Board of Directors), Bill Peterson (Iowa State Association of Counties Executive Director)

Iowa State Association of Counties Excellence in Action Award The Excellence in Action Award Program is a competitive awards program that seeks to recognize innovative county government employees, programs and projects. Webster County Conservation won this award for the three tiny homes project located in the campground.

Funds for Fun! The Coalition for Recreational Trails (CRT) presents “Annual Achievement Awards” each year in recognition of trails making outstanding use of Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funds. The Federal Recreation Trails Program has contributed nearly half of the funds to create this destination park. The development has occurred in stages with state registration funds and state and federal trail grants.

OHV park won national honor The partnership that led to the creation of the Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park was recognized with a national award in 2016. The project received the Coalition of Recreational Trails Annual Award for Public- Private Partnerships. The award was presented in Washington, D.C. L-R: Matt Cosgrove, (Director of Webster County Conservation), Dennis Plautz, (Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance), Helen Miller, (former State Representative), and Dan Kleen, (Pocahontas resident and former President of the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council) traveled to the nation’s capital to accept the award. Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park • 2022

2390 Mill Road, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 515-576-4258

Ride On.