Partnership makes sense for all
An initiative to expand use of the Hollister Hills State
Vehicular Recreation Area stands as a shining example of maximizing
resources, and doing so with a boost to the economy in mind.
San Benito County supervisors this week agreed to partner with
Hollister Hills in working to create more awareness of the
recreational area and, most important, to expand other
opportunities on the property for hiking, biking, horseback riding
or other activities.
Partnership makes sense for all
An initiative to expand use of the Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area stands as a shining example of maximizing resources, and doing so with a boost to the economy in mind.
San Benito County supervisors this week agreed to partner with Hollister Hills in working to create more awareness of the recreational area and, most important, to expand other opportunities on the property for hiking, biking, horseback riding or other activities.
Much of the thanks for the coming endeavor, meanwhile, go to Hollister Hills. The state area, which draws thousands of off-road vehicle enthusiasts to the county each year, offered a $35,000 allocation toward the effort – over the next year and a half – to the county’s parks and recreation commission.
That commission, incidentally, had faced the likelihood of actually having to cut back its meeting schedule frequency – or level of activity – due to budget cuts previously requested by the board. Its members not only found a funding source, but they got the added boost with Hollister Hills expressing interest in using some of the money to explore other uses, to make the site more family friendly, and to provide it with the potential for a more diverse customer base.
This is one of those local treasures that already succeed in bringing in outsiders to the area, but there is always room for improvement. And it is that built-in, core audience that gives the spot a foundation for further growth, and for furthering its ability to attract other users.
By developing alternative uses on the site, in the buffer areas neighboring the off-road motorist sections, it could improve the marketability of the area for groups looking to spend time there, and perhaps for longer than a day at a time. For locals, it would enhance the offering of activities here, while also boosting the economy and, hopefully, adding jobs. Beyond those benefits, the initiative could improve Hollister Hills’ chances to obtain other outside funding. The Community Foundation for San Benito County, for instance, always is looking for prospective recipients for grants to improve recreational amenities here.
It is a great idea for the area, and should help open officials’ eyes about enhancing the draw for other attractions, too.
