No Checkbox No Trails
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is gathering public input right now in two surveys that will guide parks, trails, and funding decisions.
Here’s the most important thing to know:
There is NO selectable option for mountain bike trails in either survey.
If riders don’t intentionally write it in, mountain biking is effectively invisible.
So here’s what we’re asking you to do:
Step 1 (Quick Win): Take the Meck Playbook Survey (2-3 minutes)
https://publicinput.com/MeckPlaybook
This one is short and open-ended.
What to do:
When asked what you enjoy, want more of, or want prioritized:
- Write in: mountain bike trails or natural surface MTB trail networks
- Emphasize trail systems built on existing park land
Plain language is perfect — just be explicit.
This is the fastest way to make mountain biking visible in the planning process.
Step 2 (More Time, More Impact): Countywide Community Survey (~10 minutes)
https://community.etc-research.com/9092
This survey is longer, but it directly influences countywide priorities and funding.
Why this one matters for MTB:
- Mountain biking is not listed as an amenity
- Even unpaved hiking trails are buried near the bottom
- The data only reflects what people intentionally write in
How to answer effectively:
When asked where you’ve recreated:
- Select “Other” and write:
- Mountain bike trails on Mecklenburg County park land
When ranking amenities or priorities:
- Favor trails, natural areas, outdoor recreation
When asked about funding priorities:
- Choose develop land already purchased with new parks and facilities
Use any comment boxes to clearly say:
- Mountain bike trails and trail systems (natural surface, non-paved)
If it’s not written, it’s not counted.
Optional but Powerful: Attend a Public Input Meeting
The Meck Playbook process also includes two in-person public drop-in input meetings (you can just drop in, say your piece and leave).
Showing up reinforces everything written in the surveys — and decision-makers notice turnout. Same messages as above are the ones to emphasize so they know what YOU care about.
Details and registration:
https://publicinput.com/MeckPlaybook
Why This Matters
These surveys shape:
- What gets funded
- What gets built
- What quietly disappears from future plans
Mountain biking won’t be assumed under “trails.”
It has to be named clearly by the people who ride.
