John Crowley and I, have been asked to help the OHV Advisory Committee, develope ideas for the 4x4 area at Prairie City. We believe the first step is to put together our own 4x4 committee to address this issue.

So we'd like to get the involvement of the local 4x4 clubs, and have each club elect or select a committee member, your selection would be the voice of your club and your wishes.

The total amount of area we'd have input on, is to say the least
very large. Our input is vital if we wish to see P.C. developed so that out entire 4x4 community, from mild SUV's to the wildest Rock-Crawler will be able to enjoy the park.

If CalROCS is involved, you can bet it will have it's EXTREME side, so please help us, help all of us.

Interested Clubs and individuals should e-mail myself or John.

In the mean time I propose that we start a real world wish list of items or ideas for the park, ie. grass areas and trees, rock gardens with rocks the size of your tow vehicles, etc...... :D

This is not a pipe dream, this is for real. Some of us have been working behind the scenes for many months and nows the time for us to finally get involved and provide iinput.

I propose the first meeting of our 4x4 advisory meeting to be held on Sept. 14, location and time to be annouced, when we figure out how many will be involved.

Rich Klein
CalROCS
530-622-0370

Ok, to get this started....heres an idea that John and I talked about:

building at least one obstacle that would include a water crossing like on the Fordyce Trail:D :D

Rich


Anyone else want to try??????:D

What about a log patch like at hollister, cept different spacing so any wheelbase will eventually get stuck?

Our crew from casa roble H.S. would be more than happy to help. no oficial name yet though.a mini "crackline" would be AWSOME:eek:
PAt
916-622-1193

Ya, I almost forgot, I am willing to help in any way I can. I am SURE Brad will help to.

It has been a while since I have been there (over 2 years)....maybe some larger boulders. I went through everything they had with my Cherokee when it was on 31's and a LS. Definately could use some tougher and LARGER obstacles.

Originally posted by LordRatner
Ya, I almost forgot, I am willing to help in any way I can. I am SURE Brad will help to.

count me in:D

count me in to.
I might be able to get some heavy equiptment to help move things around.

Edited to change Tuesday to MONDAY. The fax I had listed it as Tuesday, August 26. It appears the meeting will be on MONDAY, August 26.


Prairie City SVRA revitalization meeting - 8/26 6pm-9pm

There will be a meeting in Folsom on MONDAY, August 26 from 6 - 9pm at Lake Natoma Inn. A complete overview will be presented.

Millions of dollars from OHV green sticker funds will be spent to make Prairie City a showcase for California SVRA's.

They are very excited and we were talking about bringing in big boulders and possibly making three levels of courses (SUV-easy, Rubicon-mid, Extreme).

It would be great if as many of you as possible could show up to the meeting on Tuesday to voice your support for the plan and especially for a world class 4x4 area. It would also be a good idea for anyone interested in being part of the team to be at the meeting so that we can get the ball rolling.

This is a great chance for us to provide input on how the government should spend funds on a playground built for us.

Jon Crowley

I'll try to make the Tuesday meeting...

Randii

Consider building a rock crawler comp course. With stadium seating, etc.

Joe

A real nice gap like the famous one in Moab and anything like what you built in Napa. I'll try to get off early tuesday and be there. Thanks so much for your behind the scenes hard work:D

how far is folsom from benicia/concord?

Originally posted by LordRatner
how far is folsom from benicia/concord?

about 1.5 hours without heavy traffic.

sean is about right about the time, ur gonna have to relay the info to me seth cuz i got welding class tuesday from 5:45-8:(

Let's keep the ideas coming.....here is what we have so far:D

water crossing
grass areas w/trees
log patch
mini crackline
larger boulders
comp. courses w/stadium seating (:D you can bet on it)
recreate famous obstacles
Bath rooms
night lighting


I like every idea, keep thinking


Rich

Different hours for the park,maybe overnight camping ?

Later hours are a real possiblity, we did discuss camping and that was the only thing we were told NO on, at least at this point. But they are working on a deal with Folsom Lake for camping.

Rich

Woooo hoooo! This is gonna fawkin ROCK! I can't wait! Count me in to be at the meeting. :cool2:

Since man made obstacles can be incorporated I assume.. why not break or the concrete truck..... Large smooth radius boulders can be fabbed to recreate say a 90 ton bolder or the something like the Dump Bump or squeeze box at the entrace to the harder trails.

I think your biggest issue will be erosion control. Just make sure you plan to contain it all, by building it into your design of the park.

I work in folsom, I will try to get there for at least part of the meeting!!!

I think some sort of sluice box would be cool!

Originally posted by Crowdog
Prairie City SVRA revitalization meeting - 8/26 6pm-9pm

There will be a meeting in Folsom on MONDAY, August 26 from 6 - 9pm at Lake Natoma Inn. A complete overview will be presented.



Unless I'm missing something here, I think a few of you (Randii, Moveaside,Brad) have gotten the wrong day into your heads. It is NOT Tuesday,

It is Monday.


Just FYI. Carry on.

Eric

How much new land to you have? Like everything to around the perimeter of the park. I haven't been there in a while so I don't remember the area well.

To appeal to more people than us, I guess you can run a system of moderate trails that have some kind of difficulty other than rocks, but still fun to do during the dry season.

An extended trail made to be like Az wheeling

Maby sections to replicate different famous terrain across america.

I will try and make it also. I know RCRC4X4 will want to be involved.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Dennis
I will try and make it also. I know RCRC4X4 will want to be involved.

I wanted to post this over there to, but I can't get it to load

Rich

What about winch anchors? I kow from seeing it that people have gotten stuck with nobody around, and nothing to winch onto. Just a thought for the hard shit. I think hollister has anchors for the log patch, but I may be wrong.

Originally posted by Big Rich
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Dennis
I will try and make it also. I know RCRC4X4 will want to be involved.

I wanted to post this over there to, but I can't get it to load

Rich

At least I'm not the only one that had problems....

Jon

How about a titter totter, log bridge, and a mud bog area.

Rich

Flush toilets?

I think a rig wash station would be a key improvement so we don't splatter mud all over Sac, Placer and Eldo Counties.

Using recycled water and a silting pond the mud can be then kept off the streets.

I think SHADE would be a key improvement to that area. Maybe some good sized redwoods or something.

If its monday I'll try to make it.


.

WOO HOO, i can make it then since its monday:D

Big Rich I got to thinking today make sure they understand that this is to improve the park not to replicate the Rubicon and Fordyce. We want these trails open I don't want to hear anybody saying you don't need these trails you have a OHV park for your recreational needs. We need to be careful with this some greenies could turn this on us so I'm just giving a heads up. Oh other than that I'm all for this and will help how I can

Soemthing like the tank trap would be sweet and maybe some
lanes for getting some sand drags going! That would be fun!

I know the place is pretty flat but a place for some balls out hill climb comps. would be cool.

Originally posted by MOVEASIDE
Big Rich I got to thinking today make sure they understand that this is to improve the park not to replicate the Rubicon and Fordyce. We want these trails open I don't want to hear anybody saying you don't need these trails you have a OHV park for your recreational needs. We need to be careful with this some greenies could turn this on us so I'm just giving a heads up. Oh other than that I'm all for this and will help how I can

I agree 100%, but anything we can do the lighten the load/pressure that the trails see would be nice. If we can make it fun enough (WE CAN) the trails may be even more fun.

Rich

Some of the stuff mentioned here is or has been out there. There is a mud pit albeit a lame one, there was a sand drag area but that part of the park is closed.

Originally posted by Big Rich
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Dennis
I will try and make it also. I know RCRC4X4 will want to be involved.

I wanted to post this over there to, but I can't get it to load

Rich

Rich, I'll pass the word on, the server were on is belly up. The guy who owns it does not always seem to know he needs to fisx it .... we are in the proccess of moving to a better hosting setup, and then we'll be back on line and stay up for a change.

Originally posted by steveh


Rich, I'll pass the word on, the server were on is belly up. The guy who owns it does not always seem to know he needs to fisx it .... we are in the proccess of moving to a better hosting setup, and then we'll be back on line and stay up for a change.


Thanks

Rich

Originally posted by Big Rich
Let's keep the ideas coming.....here is what we have so far:D

water crossing
grass areas w/trees
log patch
mini crackline
larger boulders
comp. courses w/stadium seating (:D you can bet on it)
recreate famous obstacles
Bath rooms
night lighting


I like every idea, keep thinking


Rich

That is a lot of stuff. Do the plans include keeping the race track portion? That takes a significant portion of the existing 4x4 area already.

As for bathrooms, there are some real toilets already, just don't be lazy and spend the few minutes driving out of the 4x4 course, up the hill and use the ones in the picnic area. There are also bathrooms (not sure if flush or not though) at the upper picnic/staging area for the race course, although those are only used during races. Why spend the money on something that is already there, when you can buy more rocks and materials and rent more equipment to build the place up.

Night lighting is cool as long as there are (and continue to be)employees to keep the park open that late.

I hear the military or national gaurd run around out there training every so often, can we get some input/money from them?

Water is always neat/fun but erosion and runoff are significant issue. When it does rain though, there are plenty of water holes/holding ponds, from a few inches deep to several feet deep already, even after the rainy season.

http://www.pavementsucks.com/album/prairiecity20001111/pc0301.jpg

Perhaps just incorporating these into the trails that get cut could/would save some money.

Shade is always welcome out there, trees are nice and pretty and smell good, but building wooden structures would be more cost effective in the long run probably (cheaper to build than buying/planting grown trees, easier to move when park gets redesigned again, no watering required, shouldn't fall down in storm, only needs paint every 5 years or so, etc) Of course if we can all wait a few years for decent shade, then plant small fast growing trees instead.

Winch posts would be a good thing, just be sure they are painted an approriately bright color for easy locating.

As for obstacles, anything new would be nice, just be sure a moderately equipped fullsize (3-6" lift, 35's, locked at one end)can still play on more than a dirt road.... We like rocks and stuff too...

I can not make this meeting, Mondays are the only day I need to go into work to the south bay and I do not get back until 8pm or so, then its another 30 mintues to Folsom. Hopefully some of these issues can/will be addressed.

Jason, The first things that I was informed of druing our meeting is that the water is limitless and nearly so with the money......

Now about the water, a sump pond is in the works at would allow us to recycle the water used, if the water courses are designed and built correctly, they will not result in errosion (I've personally built many when I was a contractor).

They are going to use the neighbors property and plant trees (like a nursery) and create a buffer zone, then those tree will be transplanted onside the park as the mature.

More bathrooms will be needed due to the projected increase in attenance, on just regular days and for special events. Law requires so many holes for some people.

It's in the plans for the park to stay open later during the summer months (hot period) so they feel lights would service a purpose for safety and enjoyment.

The whole concept of this park is to create a 4x4 play ground for all user ablities.

The track will stay in one form or another, but the areas around and inside the track will be utilized better. We will propose a design to the oversight committee that will include all the suggestions that we recieve.

I do not want to put limits on anything at this point, we need to be creative at this stage, no limits on ideas.

Rich

Both John and I had more ideas, but we want everyone to contribute to this project, anf know others will think about this and come up with those ideas. I don't want this to be the John and Rich show.

Originally posted by Big Rich
Jason, The first things that I was informed of druing our meeting is that the water is limitless and nearly so with the money......


Good deal then, didn't really think it was such an open ended project


Now about the water, a sump pond is in the works at would allow us to recycle the water used, if the water courses are designed and built correctly, they will not result in errosion (I've personally built many when I was a contractor).


Even better deal. I was hoping that something like that would be put to use. Can anyhting be done about contaminants in the reused water (i.e. gas, oil, etc) before it gets to extremely toxic levels over time?


They are going to use the neighbors property and plant trees (like a nursery) and create a buffer zone, then those tree will be transplanted onside the park as the mature.


Works for me. I would prefer trees, as I would think most folks would. We just need to keep the idiots from driving over them or using them as an RTI ramp once large enough.


More bathrooms will be needed due to the projected increase in attenance, on just regular days and for special events. Law requires so many holes for some people.


Didn't think about that. What kind of increase in attendance are you expecting? If it gets that busy, still worth going to it?


It's in the plans for the park to stay open later during the summer months (hot period) so they feel lights would service a purpose for safety and enjoyment.


I can deal with that. I am only 20 minutes from the park and being able to go in the evenings would be nice.


The whole concept of this park is to create a 4x4 play ground for all user ablities.


I am just hoping that equal attenation is given to the various user groups that would use the park. I would rather not see a bias towards one "form" over another unless it can be shown that there is a significant majority.


The track will stay in one form or another, but the areas around and inside the track will be utilized better. We will propose a design to the oversight committee that will include all the suggestions that we recieve.


Good, there is a lot of wasted space inside the track. Hope it does not impact the safety of the track too much, but it sure can be better utilized.


I do not want to put limits on anything at this point, we need to be creative at this stage, no limits on ideas.


They are reclaiming/restoring a lot of the areas of the park in and near the 4x4 area and rear access road. How much of the park will be lost to restoration (not a bad thing if the new setup is well organized) and how much of the restored areas are they willing to give to us?


Rich

Both John and I had more ideas, but we want everyone to contribute to this project, anf know others will think about this and come up with those ideas. I don't want this to be the John and Rich show.

I do not want this to be a one or two man show either, that is why I added my comments. Unfortunately I cannot attend the meeting due to work. I would like this thread/dicussion to continue. PC needs a lot of help in the 4x4 area.

I want to personally thank you and John for kicking this off and making it happen. I am surte everyone in this board and thousands of others not here would thank you as well.

quote:
Even better deal. I was hoping that something like that would be put to use. Can anyhting be done about contaminants in the reused water (i.e. gas, oil, etc) before it gets to extremely toxic levels over time?
quote;

There are a couple of ways to accomplish this (from my understanding), but that is what the experts will be able to help us with.

Rich

Damn....I could amade a Tuesday meeting :( I am down to help all I can...but I cant make tomorrows meeting

Oh, and my suggestion....ROCKS....Lots of big fawkin rocks :beer:

Air (free) and water near the restrooms. Kinda like at a service station.

I think this is so cool. It will definitely take some of the load off the Rubicon/Fordyce/Barett if it's done right. I would go there all the time if we build it right! See you all at the meeting tonight!