New signs slated for Campton Hills snowmobile trails

Snowmobilers riding through Campton Hills on the Great Western Trail and Anderson Road Trail might notice some new signs this winter.

The Illinois Association of Snowmobile Clubs got the final OK from the Campton Hills Village Board to put signs up telling riders that their vehicles are allowed and encouraging them to dine at local restaurants.

“We do have quite a few people that come in from Westmont, Chicago” and don’t know they can continue on the trail, said Mike Carlson, member of the Illinois Association of Snowmobile Clubs, told trustees Monday night. “I live on the trail (in Lily Lake). It’s more crowded today than it was 14 years ago.”

Carlson said the association will use plastic ties to attach signs showing riders that they are allowed to park to perhaps grab a bite to eat in Campton Hills or Wasco.

Carlson noted that some businesses allow people to park their snowmobiles in the back and others let riders pull right up in front. Either way, it could be good for the bottom line, he insisted.

“I don’t think they’ll object to having money come in,” he said. “The kind of people you’re going to be attracting are people bringing their kids.”

Carlson said association members remove the signs after the season ends.

Village trustees gave the go-ahead to Carlson Monday night, but with one question in mind.

“When’s it going to snow?” asked Trustee Al Lenkaitis.