New Equestrian Center moves forward with public input on design

The County Parks and Recreation Department held a community meeting for the public last Thursday at the Lakeside Community Center. Building a new Equestrian Center was discussed. Cowgirls and cowboys came to see for themselves what is being planned for their community and also they wanted to weight in on what their dreams for the future Equestrian Center are. The property being eyed for the Center is located at the corner of Willow Road and Moreno Road.

The County Parks and Recreation Department held a community meeting for the public last Thursday at the Lakeside Community Center. Building a new Equestrian Center was discussed. Cowgirls and cowboys came to see for themselves what is being planned for their community and also they wanted to weight in on what their dreams for the future Equestrian Center are. The property being eyed for the Center is located at the corner of Willow Road and Moreno Road. The 14-acre piece of land was formerly owned by the Lakeside School District, but it found that they were not able to build on it because the land is in a flood plain, according to FEMA, but it would be suitable for an equestrian center.

Julie Murphy, the Vice President of the East County Equestrian Foundation, said “Our task is to jump through all the hoops for the Parks and Recreation Department and to raise funds for five years of operating expenses. Our problem is getting access to the trails, public money should be used for public access.”  

The Equestrian Foundation was formed three years ago and is a state recognized 501-C3 non-profit organization that hired an attorney to guide them along. Michelle deVires is president, Darla Frye, treasurer and Debra Eggert the Secretary.  The ladies agreed that nothing like this is offered to the equestrian community.

Public Input Surveys were given out to folks in attendance and they were able to vote for the amenities they want for the Equestrian Center. Some of the wants and wishes were a covered arena, lighted arenas, meeting room, office space, kitchen space, announcers booth, picnic area and trail head.

Bill Saumier, the project manager for Park and Recreation was on hand to talk to everyone and show old photos of the history of Moreno Valley.

“It is very important that our neighbors are happy with the project, we want to keep the integrity of the community so your property values go up,” he said. He was also the project manager of the new Little League Fields.  

Jamie Petritte, who lives across the road from the proposed equestrian facility, said that she enjoys sitting on her front porch, watching folks riding up and down the trails. She said she is looking forward to seeing a rustic theme equestrian park.