Public split on trail access across Mount Ogden Golf Course; many back mayor’s decision to restrict shortcuts

The council heard sustained public comment on Jan. 20 about unauthorized shortcuts across Mount Ogden Golf Course, with many speakers supporting the mayor's decision to restrict pedestrian, cycling and dog access across the course and urging enforcement to reduce safety risks and potential liability.

Kirk Smith said he supported the mayor’s decision and noted that "those who do encroach have neither a legal right, a prescriptive easement, or any formal or informal agreement to do so." Multiple golf-course employees and volunteers — including Marissa Hermson, a grounds crew employee, and Butch Sampedri, a marshal — described near-miss incidents involving golfers and pedestrians, heavy machinery, and off-road vehicles; they warned that allowing pedestrian access would increase maintenance costs and expose the city to premises-liability claims.

Trail advocates also spoke. Nick McMillan, chair of the Ogden Trails Network, urged clarity that the network did not intend to designate shortcuts through the fee-based golf course as official trails and called the shortcuts "illegal." Several speakers who said they had built or maintained local trails said the network historically routed trails around the course and urged common-sense solutions that balance trail access and golfer safety.

Mayor Nadalski thanked those on both sides for civility and said he had listened to input; several council members also thanked speakers and expressed appreciation for the Ogden Police Department, while noting the need to protect constitutional rights and community safety.

No formal ordinance or binding change was adopted at the meeting; the mayor’s administrative direction to restrict access to the course remains in effect and staff indicated they would continue outreach and enforcement as appropriate.