LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport City Council on Tuesday gave its unanimous approval to the concept of including an equestrian facility in the third phase of the Westside Community Park's development.
The council's conceptual support will allow studies on the project, including financial and market feasibility, to move forward.
City Public Works Director Mark Brannigan said an equestrian facility has been in the plans for some time, and the Westside Community Park Committee – the group that is handling the park's phased development – liked the idea when it was presented to them.
Local horsewoman Virginia Vovchuk, also a Westside Community Park Committee member, gave to the council what she said was a “very preliminary” presentation.
She listed a number of the horse groups in the area that could use and support the facility, which she said wouldn't compete with private facilities and may, in fact, augment and support them.
She said there are 700,000 horses in California, which has the second largest horse population in the US after Texas. There also are more than 311,000 people in the state who participate in horse events annually, with California hosting more than 170 regional and national horse shows each year.
Vovchuk said that in neighboring Sonoma County, the equine industry contributes nearly as much to the economy as its famed wine industry.
The 4.5-acre spot on the southwest corner of the Westside Community Park property is perfect for the proposed equestrian area, which Vovchuk said could help bring revenue to the community. There currently are no public arenas or horse camping areas within 20 miles of Lakeport, she said.
The facility would be designed to accommodate a wide variety of disciplines, from English and Western to driving, dressage, roping and reining, and gymkhana, she said.
The initial concept calls for an arena measuring 140 feet by 330 feet with covered seating for up to 75 people on the west side. Vovchuk said there is interest in covering the arena, which could be handled in a future phase.
The facility as it’s currently envisioned also would include a round pen and a trail obstacle course; four to six small pipe corrals; parking for up to 25 trucks and trailers; up to eight horse camping sites with picnic tables, post tie lines and barbecue pits; a trail head to Cow Mountain, including a staging area with hitching posts and benches; a storage shed for arena supplies; and a water service area with an outdoor sink, counter and portable restroom, Vovchuk said in her presentation.
Vovchuk suggested there is the potential for both corporate grants as well as funding through local horse groups, although she said she had not vetted the latter idea.
In addition, overnight camping fees and facility leases could help fund the facility, said Vovchuk, who added that one of the next steps would be to do a financial analysis.
Future steps would include site planning, studying financial feasibility, taking community input, conducting an environmental review and putting out a request for proposals, she said.
“I think you guys are on it,” and asking the right questions, said Mayor Pro Tem Martin Scheel.
“There's no question about it, this is a great idea,” said Mayor Kenny Parlet, but Parlet said he wanted the proposal thoroughly vetted.
Councilwoman Stacey Mattina said she doesn't know much about horses, but felt the facility could be great for Lakeport. As a Realtor, she said she deals with many people who want to come to Lake County and purchase properties that allow them to enjoy their horses.
Councilman Marc Spillman said the proposed facility also could be a backup to what is available at the fairgrounds. He said he supported the idea, and thanked Vovchuk for her service on the Westside Park Committee.
Spillman, who also sits on the committee, credited Vovchuk with infusing the group with a new enthusiasm for taking on the design of the park's third phase.
Councilman Tom Engstrom asked about access to the area where the equestrian facility would be located. Brannigan said it can be accessed from Martin Street or by driving through the park.
Engstrom was concerned about dust, and Brannigan said that would need to be dealt with in the development process.
Suzanne Lyons, a member of the city's Parks and Recreation Commission – which sent the council a minute order in support of the proposal – said the city’s needs to offer more types of recreation for people, and noted that horse people have money and spend it.
“I think that this is an exciting idea and you're not out anything to go ahead and look at it,” said Lyons, adding that they have been looking for a way for local parks to support themselves.
Members of the horse community – who accounted for more than half of the audience – also spoke in support of the proposal, noting that it would be well used and a community benefit, and could help bring back some events that no longer occur in the county.
“You build it, they will come, I promise you,” said Laurie Fullerton.
Carol Maxwell said she had moved to Lake County from Kentucky after searching for three years for just the right place.
“One of the main reasons we came here is you can ride your horse here,” Maxwell said, adding that what is proposed for Westside Community Park would be a fabulous facility and a huge draw.
Spillman moved to support the facility's potential development, with Engstrom offering the second and the council voting 5-0.
The horse enthusiasts in the audience gave the council a round of applause following the vote.
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