Hearing set in off-road park dispute
SANDPOINT - A 1st District Court judge has denied motions for a temporary restraining order and permanent injunction meant to idle an off-road vehicle park that's operating without a permit.
Judge Richard Christensen ruled on July 16 that there was insufficient evidence to grant the motions to halt the Twisted Mud 'N Crawl, according to court documents. However, Bonner County's motions are set for further argument on Aug. 10.
The county's civil counsel filed suit against Twisted Mud 'N Crawl operator Kathleen Bryngelson last month, arguing that the off-road park in Clagstone lacked a required conditional-use permit.
Under the permit process, Bryngelson would have to show that there is legal and adequate emergency access, in addition to plans for providing potable water and sewage disposal.
Bonner County Deputy Prosecutor William Wilson further argues that Bryngelson would have to work with the Idaho Department of Water Resources concerning water that's used to sustain the mud bog.
The off-road park was brought to the county's attention by the Idaho Department of Lands and neighboring landowners, who filed zoning complaints with the Bonner County Planning Department.
They contend events at the park have disrupted the tranquility of their rural neighborhood with loud vehicles and music, fights, foul language, gunfire and litter.
Opponents of the park note that the park's rules are listed on the park's website along with photos of people not observing the rules, such as requirements that children wear helmets and dogs be on a leash.
Bonner County officials put the park on notice of the zoning complaints and the need for a permit, but Wilson said Bryngelson has disregarded the requirement and continued to hold events, such as a Father's Day event in which "donations" were accepted for entry and camping in the park.
"Despite advertising for the recent mud bog described above, she denied that such event took place," Wilson said in court documents.
Bryngelson said when the litigation commenced that the park is only for friends and family and declined further comment.