By Phil Wagner

Photos by Richard Fields

Mike 'Harpo' Walters tests his highly modified Bronco's rock-climbing ability.

Older kids need bigger playgrounds. I became convinced when my son Travis and I visited the new Redbird State Recreation Area in Greene and Sullivan counties, near Dugger, Ind. with Trent Dufour, an off-highway vehicle enthusiast.

Before our trip to find out more, I pictured speed over safety. I pictured General Patton's tanks ripping up the landscape in pursuit of Rommel through North Africa during WW II. I pictured wrong.

This is an outstanding place for motorbikes, four-wheel drive vehicles and some pretty rugged trucks and SUVs.

Safety is more important than speed, though pushing equipment to its limits is part of the sport.

Redbird SRA is former mine land once owned by various coal companies over the years, from which the DNR acquired 235 acres. Negotiations continue for more land, thanks to the federal Recreational Trails Program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation.