We have been following SB 234 Introduced by Senator Andrew Jones relating to regulating off road parks in Cherokee County.  From the text of the bill it is described as looking to “provide for the permitting, inspection, and operation of off-road vehicle parks; and to provide fines for violations.”

Jones had previously introduced a statewide version of the bill that failed to pass in Montgomery. He had introduced the bill a second time, as a local only bill for Cherokee County, which passed in the Senate. After passing in the Senate, the bill has moved over to the house, where as of Friday morning, April 11th, it was still showing as in the House Committee on County and Municipal Government.

The first time the bill was introduced, on the state wide level, it had the unanimous support of the Cherokee County Commission. They passed a resolution in support of the bill. We have reached out and are awaiting word to see if that support still remains for the bill in its current form.

Locally, the bill has been met with much resistance. Especially from those in the tight family of ATV and off road enthusiasts. They have been very vocal against the bill, and state they feel it is an over reach and over regulation, that many feel would be harmful to not only Indian Mountain ATV Park, but the local and area economy.  In speaking with individuals this week, who want to see the bill killed in committee, a theme that was very common was their support for the Ponder family who owns and operates Indian Mountain ATV park.

The park features 4,700 acres of riding trails, as well as hiking, cabins, camping, and fishing and is owned and operated by Kirk and Labreeska Ponder. It is located at 11620 County Road 8, Piedmont. This is located in District One of Cherokee County, in the district represented by Andrew Jones’ Father Randy Jones. WEIS Radio had the opportunity to speak with Mrs. Ponder this week regarding the bill and she provided us with this statement:

“In reference to the Senate Bill 234, Just reading it and watching it transpire down in Montgomery, it has been truly heartbreaking for us to watch, and see that our elected officials from the county to the state level have targeted a small business, a single small business, our small business. I know that we provide much needed tax revenue for Cherokee County, as well we have created other businesses , or other people have created small businesses I should say, in their small businesses and through those small businesses we have assisted with fundraisers and charity. We have proudly supported many of the local schools and civic groups, food banks in the area in Cherokee County and the surrounding areas. The Bill that Senator Jones has represented is a direct government overreach and should very much frighten the people in this area and this community in the way it is using legislative and executive power in this state to attack local business , and Indian Mountain ATV Park, Our Business. “

You can listen to her statement here

We also spoke with Max Lawrence, the owner of Max Offroad LLC in Adger. Max told us about how he had sold everything and poured everything he had into opening his business. He expressed concern over how he felt the bill could negatively impact his business and those of others in the industry.

Lawrence first spoke of the Ponders and Indian Mountain ATV Park. He echoed what we have been told by almost everyone we spoke with in the ATV community, that “They are the best park around.”  He said he was “Afraid if this passes, people will be less likely to go there and ride. A lot of people who read this bill feel like it will end up making it too expensive to ride.” “It could help take Indian Mountain ATV Park away, and that would effect a lot of people. It is big to us. We do not want to lose that. We cannot afford to lose that park. I believe the bill would make things too expensive.”

Lawrence went on to say he believed the end goal was to close the park. It was his belief, and that of others we spoke to, that they think the property may be wanted to use for walking trails. Of Jones, he said “I think he is trying to make it where (inspections) are not passable for the park. The bill is designed so they can take it away to put in walking trails.”

Lawrence said he believed strongly that the bill would end up decreasing business not only at the park, but for himself, and the many other businesses that depend on the park in the ATV industry. A belief echoed by other business owners in the area who wished to not go on record in Senator Jones’ District. Lawrence said “Most of my business comes from out of state, or from hours away. I own one of the best shops around, and if less people come from that park and area, it will definitely hurt my business. A lot of people come to me from that park, the come after rides and events for repairs. It would hurt my business and others I have talked to in this industry.”

Speaking on the Ponders, he reflected what Mrs. Ponder said of their charity. He said “The Ponders are some of the best people I know. They do a ton to help people, and they help a lot of kids. If they need something, they tell them to come on. Then they do a fundraiser. A lot of kids who may not have a Christmas or know what Christmas is like, they help out with that. It will take money away from a park that helps veterans, kids, and people with cancer.”

Economic studies have shown the park generates close to 15 million dollars to the local economy. We have reached out to Senator Jones for a statement and for the opportunity to answer critics of the bill.

We reached out to Senator Andrew Jones, who proved us with the following statement in response to the feedback on the bill:

“The Facebook warriors seem to be forgetting about the local Cherokee County residents who live around the ATV Park. These folks have rights as well, and they have been asking for help for over 5 years. Riders from out of state and out of county should not be allowed to negatively impact the quality of life for residents of the Rock Run community.

My job is to find a middle ground that protects our citizens and provides reasonable rules through which the ATV park can continue to operate. Our proposed regulations are much less strict than Georgia. I challenge everyone to read the bill for themselves. There’s absolutely nothing in the legislation that would shut an ATV park down.

It’s unfortunate that we have to have legislation so that folks will be good neighbors, but sadly, that is where we are at. We would not be in this situation if the park operators had worked with surrounding property owners to put reasonable safeguards in place.

By this time next year, I’m hopeful that folks will see the ATV park continuing to flourish, local residents having some peace, and all involved being on better terms with each other. “