End to lengthy Van Peenen horse trail debate may be in sight

By Denise Lana,

How Decorah’s Van Peenen Park is used has been a topic of contention for nearly two decades, according to Decorah City Manager Travis Goedken, and the topic is expected to be taken up by trail users again in the near future.

The land for Van Peenan Park was donated to the city by the Hubert J. Van Peenen and his wife in 1976, with stipulations that the land not be used — among other things — for hunting or by motorized vehicles. Local newspaper archives said the family intended for the land to be maintained in its natural state for hikers, bird-watchers, cross country skiers and horseback riders. 

Goedken indicated a more recent issue arose as users — such as hikers and mountain bikers — disagreed with horseback riders on where each respective activity should be permitted.

Goedken said part of the ongoing discussions is that not all of the 20-plus trails in the 120-acre park are suitable for horseback riding.  

Goedken plans to bring together representatives of the Decorah Human Powered Trails group and the Winneshiek County Saddle Club for a discussion facilitated by city staff members. 

“The hope is that both parties will find common ground from trails each believes to be capable of safely supporting horses and their riders and then develop a loop based on that,” Goedken said.  “If both sides agree, a safe loop trail could be adopted as soon as the next city council meeting, if everything goes smoothly.”

Goedken added if the discussions fail between the two groups, any further action or decisions will be the responsibility of the Decorah Parks and Recreation Board.

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