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A western Pennsylvania man has given ATV owners in Lawrence County and the surrounding area a home field advantage. Robert Svihra, 65, of Chippewa Township operates the new Mines & Meadows ATV Riding Resort in Wampum. It offers all-terrain vehicle and dirt bike enthusiasts almost 20 miles of groomed trails on more than 600 acres. The park is just north of the Beaver-Lawrence County line, less than five minutes from Route 60, Route 18 and the turnpike.

Svihra said Pennsylvania ranks behind Texas and California in the number of registered ATVs and holds a similar rating in annual sales. And, he said, 37 percent of the state's registered ATV owners live in western Pennsylvania. "As an avid ATV rider, I am aware of the crackdown in recent years on (illegal) riding on private and public lands. Until now, the only alternative for local riders was to drive three or more hours, spend a fortune in gas to haul your ATVs and wait in long lines just to get on a trail ... and then drive back home."

Dave Tullis, vice president of business development for the park, said ATV riding is an expensive hobby, but owners "put more emphasis on their time over expense." Tullis said the number ATV accidents and fatalities have risen because people often ride in public areas. "This park gives them an opportunity to go a nice place nearby where the trails are safe." A change in state law in 2004 granted ATV parks similar status as ski resorts with assumed risk by participants, who must sign a waiver. Tullis, a New Galilee resident, said few places were available to ATV riders before the change because of liability issues. He noted all ATVs must be registered in Pennsylvania and riders must have valid driver's licenses and provide proof of insurance.

Svihra has invested nearly $2 million into development of the project. "I felt driven to do this by a love for the sport, its great camaraderie, and an intense desire to pass along some of the joy to others that might not otherwise have the opportunity." "I hope to provide ATV riders with a country club atmosphere they deserve." Svihra said the trails provide tremendous challenges to ATV riders of all ages and abilities. The company leases some of its land from Underland Development Corp., which owns the former Snow Top Mushroom Mine. ATV riders are permitted to drive through the backside of the mine. Svihra said that is what sets Mines & Meadows apart from other riding parks. "There's an underground lake, total darkness and numerous surprises that will help make your journey unforgettable." Svihra said Mines & Meadows will eventually have all the amenities of a first-class ski resort. Plans include dredging the lake, building a lodge for overnight accommodations and adding restroom facilities throughout the park. Storage and ATV rental services are available to eliminate towing vehicles to the site. Svihra, whose companies include Nesar Systems and AgHog Pittsburgh Co., said the park plans to acquire additional acreage and add more trails. He said memberships will be limited to 1,000.  A 12-month membership permits members to ride seven days a week from 9 a.m. to sunset. The park is open to non-members on weekends.