I am a resident of Stonemill Farms, Woodbury, MN and one of several volunteers who initially constructed the mountain bike trails on a forested lot across our locality. Our work was abruptly halted when the trails were torn down by our homeowners association, despite assurances that they posed no harm or liability to any party involved.

These trails are more than just paths in the woods – they're venues for outdoor recreation that not only foster an appreciation of nature but also contribute to community well-being. According to Department of Sport, Culture, and the Arts, active outdoor recreation, like mountain biking, provides physical, mental, and societal benefits as well as economic ones. Building these trails would strengthen both our community spirit and the incentives for others to join Stonemill Farms.

In our increasingly urbanized world, preserving and using natural spaces such as ours for activities like mountain biking can provoke environmental stewardship and promote participation in physical activity. Moreover, there is no financial obligation or contingent liability attached for our homeowners association – these trails are built willingly by volunteers and used responsibly by the community.

In light of these considerations, we urge our homeowners association to rethink their decision and allow the construction of mountain bike trails in Stonemill Farms. Help us bring back the trails; sign this petition to voice your support for our cause.