Equestrians fear their beloved facility may be sacrificed for parking lot expansion
The Orange County Fairgrounds in California has long been a battleground between those who see it as an agricultural hub and those who view it as a commercial event center. Now, as fair officials seek to boost revenue for a $25 million expansion of their administration building, local horse riders are concerned that their beloved equestrian center may be at risk. The center, which has been running at a net revenue loss since being taken over by fairgrounds officials earlier this year, is now facing the possibility of closure by March 31, 2024. This has sparked outrage among equestrians who fear they are being pushed out of the conversation and that the fairgrounds staff have a predetermined goal to shut down the facility.
Another Battle for Equestrian Center
The tension between fairgrounds officials and equestrians was on full display at a recent Fair Board meeting. Equestrians expressed their frustration at the lack of communication and transparency from fairgrounds staff. They claimed that emails to board members went unanswered, promises of workshops were broken, and requests to attend committee meetings were denied. Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley also voiced her concerns, stating that the fairgrounds property was becoming less accessible to the community due to privatization efforts. She argued that the community couldn’t afford to use the fairgrounds for gatherings and events if it became increasingly privatized.
Fair officials, however, denied any plans to scrap the equestrian center. They updated their request for proposals to extend the contract term to 10 years, indicating their intention to find a suitable independent operator. Despite this, fairgrounds staff have refused to disclose the contents of the request for proposals, citing the competitive nature of the bidding process. They have also declined to reveal the name of the consultant they are working with to envision the center’s next contract. Fairgrounds CEO Michele Richards assured board members that potential bidders would have 77 days to submit their proposals.
Grappling With Revenue Loss
The equestrian center has been a financial burden on the fairgrounds, with year-to-date losses totaling $838,476 as of October 31. Boarding rates have been raised annually, but the center still struggles to generate enough revenue. Some board members and fairgrounds watchdogs have questioned whether the fairgrounds’ support of the equestrian center constitutes a gift of public funds. Fairgrounds legal counsel Josh Caplan emphasized that it is up to the board to determine the value received from giving out public money and whether the center provides a nonmonetary benefit to the community.
Equestrians argue that the facility could be enhanced as a public asset through partnerships and government grants. They suggest collaborations with the fairgrounds’ Heroes Hall for equine therapy for veterans and the expansion of public programming. The fairgrounds’ strategic plan for 2022 acknowledges the need for greater access to the equestrian center for a broader group of constituents throughout Orange County. Fairgrounds spokesperson Terry Moore stated that the strategic plan was developed before the fairgrounds took over the center’s operations and understood its capabilities for public programming.
Conclusion: The battle over the future of the Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center continues to intensify. Equestrians fear that their facility may be sacrificed for parking lot expansion, while fairgrounds officials maintain that they are seeking a solution that benefits all parties involved. The lack of communication and transparency from fairgrounds staff has only fueled the frustrations of equestrians, who are determined to protect their beloved center. As the deadline for the closure of the facility looms, the fate of the equestrian center hangs in the balance, with both sides hoping for a resolution that preserves its legacy and serves the community.
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