Middlefield Village has said no to snowmobile use on the Maple Highlands Trail section that goes through Middlefield Village

Snowmobiles won’t be permitted on the Maple Highlands Trail section that goes through Middlefield Village. The disruption of the roar and noise of speeding snowmobiles will continue to be prohibited. 

When this part of the trail was constructed, it was designed for year-round use by hikers, bikers, cross country skiers and importantly, Amish buggies. In 2016 the Village signed a 50- year contract with the Geauga Park District which prohibited snowmobiles. The goal was to keep the buggies off roads through Middlefield making it safer for them to travel.  Mayor Ben Garlich stated that he’s seen horses spooked by snowmobiles. He indicated that it could result in injuries to the Amish or the snowmobiler.

At the village meeting, Geauga Park District executive director, John Oros, said that Geauga Park District rangers enforce snowmobiling rules on Park property. This is a curious statement because just a few park rangers currently have the responsibility of patrolling thousands of acres in all parts of the county.  This makes it virtually impossible to apprehend violators.

Garlich and the Middlefield Village Council are right. They balanced the use of a handful of individuals against the entire village, the Amish, and those using the trail for its intended recreational purpose.

So, a big shout out and thank you to Middlefield Mayor Ben Garlich and the Middlefield Village Council for standing strong on the proper use of the Maple Highlands trail.