Press Release –
Polaris Industries is proud to announce the completion of its second year of T.R.A.I.L.S. grants. In two years, the Polaris T.R.A.I.L.S. Grant Program has granted $591,657 in funds to local, state and National ATV Clubs.
In this round, Polaris granted $91,199 to 10 organizations in seven states. To date, Polaris has assisted 69 ATV organizations in 37 states across the U.S.
The first of its kind in the ATV industry, the ‘T.R.A.I.L.S.’ grant program was launched in January 2006 for ATV clubs, associations and grassroots groups. ATV riders and the trails they use are the lifeblood of the sport and Polaris aimed to create a program to help.
The T.R.A.I.L.S. program makes funds available to not-for-profit national, state and local organizations in the United States to ensure the future of ATV riding.
T.R.A.I.L.S. stands for:
T = Trail Development
R = Responsible Riding
A = Access
I = Initiatives
L = Lobbying
S = Safety
The grant program encompasses two main objectives – promoting safe and responsible riding, and preserving access. Funds can be used by organizations for trail development and maintenance projects, safety and education initiatives, lobbying and other projects to increase and maintain land access.
“We continue to be thrilled by the interest and response in this program,” said Mike Dougherty, general manager of the ATV division at Polaris. “Its ongoing success is far reaching and benefits riders at every level — be it locally, statewide or nationally. Polaris is proud to have a thriving program that gives back to our riding community because it’s only together that we can ensure we’ll have great places to ride for years to come.”
The grants ranged from $5,000 to the maximum $10,000 and will be applied toward: trail developments, expansions, improvements and connections; youth safety courses; trail patrol; lobbying efforts to re-open state forests for off-road vehicle use; and support for the first Sand Park to open in the U.S. in 50 years.
The fourth round of T.R.A.I.L.S. grant recipients are:
Local Organizations:
– New England Trail Riders Association (Connecticut)
– Dickinson County Seniors & Lawmen Together (Iowa)
– Syracuse Sand Dune Park (Kansas)
– Hollis Freewheelers ATV Club (Maine)
– East Stream ATV Riders Club (Maine)
– Van Buren Pine Runners ATV Club (Maine)
– Millsfield ATV Club (New Hampshire)
State Organizations:
New Hampshire Off Highway Vehicle Association
– Ride Safe – Virginia
National Organizations:
– United Sportsmen’s Youth Foundation
For more information on the ‘T.R.A.I.L.S.’ grant program and an application form, visit the Polaris Web site at polarisindustries.com and click on “Riders,” then select “Right to Ride.”
