Sugarloaf Area Plan Creation--Challenges & Opportunities #3
How can the community best support the continued preservation of--and access to--Sugarloaf Mountain?
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Martha Hartlaub
Mar 4
Consider a public/private partnership with Frederick County Parks & Rec. Perhaps establish a satellite location at Sugarloaf that runs programs on the Mountain and the revenue can be given to Stronghold. Also, FCPS should definitely be charged for their field trips, perhaps also through Parks and Rec. Publicity for Sugarloaf (especially highlighting the private ownership and need for donations) could be extended through the Recreater mailing that goes out seasonally to all Frederick County residents.
pethelp1
May 11
The park trust sunsets/expires in 15 years. No one seems to know what the plan for after that might be.
cspoteat
Mar 12
Steve Poteat
The community can continue to support Stronghold Inc., the manager of the mountain, in its efforts to operate the mountain so as to continue public access and to maintain the highest environmental and open space standards. Recently, Stronghold has noted significant financial strain in its efforts to operate the mountain. Stronghold should keep the public informed of the status of its financial situation so citizens can be prepared to support Stronghold in any necessary fund raising from private or public sources. And the public and local officials should be made aware of any proposed changes contemplated when the trust expires in 20 years.
Sarah B
Apr 16
Well, this all looks a little different now that the park is closed. As a private property owner, Stro=nghold is under no obligation to inform the public of their financial situation or future plans. It seems like it would be a really good time for us to explore whether we - the neighbors - could be helping Stronghold deal with the issues they're facing.
pethelp1
May 11
Over the last 15 years , hikers, horse back riders and bicycles could safely enjoy the northern access to the mountain on Mt. Ephraim Road which is single lane, unpaved that last 2 miles to the Stronghold Park. It is not safe to do so when the bridge on 28 is closed which has been the case on weekends for the last year. Last year there was a drastic reduction in horse traffic. Currently, hikers are enjoying our driveways and front lawns in lieu of the park. There have even been people entering outbuildings and barns in the last couple of weeks. We definitely need this planning process and some signage.
Consider a public/private partnership with Frederick County Parks & Rec. Perhaps establish a satellite location at Sugarloaf that runs programs on the Mountain and the revenue can be given to Stronghold. Also, FCPS should definitely be charged for their field trips, perhaps also through Parks and Rec. Publicity for Sugarloaf (especially highlighting the private ownership and need for donations) could be extended through the Recreater mailing that goes out seasonally to all Frederick County residents.
The park trust sunsets/expires in 15 years. No one seems to know what the plan for after that might be.
Steve Poteat
The community can continue to support Stronghold Inc., the manager of the mountain, in its efforts to operate the mountain so as to continue public access and to maintain the highest environmental and open space standards. Recently, Stronghold has noted significant financial strain in its efforts to operate the mountain. Stronghold should keep the public informed of the status of its financial situation so citizens can be prepared to support Stronghold in any necessary fund raising from private or public sources. And the public and local officials should be made aware of any proposed changes contemplated when the trust expires in 20 years.
Well, this all looks a little different now that the park is closed. As a private property owner, Stro=nghold is under no obligation to inform the public of their financial situation or future plans. It seems like it would be a really good time for us to explore whether we - the neighbors - could be helping Stronghold deal with the issues they're facing.
Over the last 15 years , hikers, horse back riders and bicycles could safely enjoy the northern access to the mountain on Mt. Ephraim Road which is single lane, unpaved that last 2 miles to the Stronghold Park. It is not safe to do so when the bridge on 28 is closed which has been the case on weekends for the last year. Last year there was a drastic reduction in horse traffic. Currently, hikers are enjoying our driveways and front lawns in lieu of the park. There have even been people entering outbuildings and barns in the last couple of weeks. We definitely need this planning process and some signage.