Update On Walnut Grove Park - Phase One
By Carolyn Floyd
Just a quick update to let all our members know how the new
construction is progressing at our park. When the City purchased an additional
19 acres to the north of the 10 acres of equestrian usage, they redesigned
the park so that the northern 29 acres will eventually become an open grassy
play area suitable for soccer. Thus, we will have to move the arenas to the
seven acres south of the Red Barn .
This whole project will be done in two phases. Last year, the City had a ground
breaking ceremony to celebrate the beginning of Phase One. During Phase One
the City will be grading the northern 19 acres for an open grassy area and
building a multi-use trail and parking spaces around the whole northern 29
acres. The fencing was put up around the arena area to protect our horses
from the onsite construction equipment, and to protect the City’s grading
and development from our horses!
During Phase One, the City will be restoring the barn that is located on the
upper 19 acres. The barn will be used as a ranger’s quarters upstairs
and storage downstairs. The City will also be building on the upper 19 acres
a playground, rest rooms and snack shack.
The new parking being installed will be a combination of hard surfaced (asphalt)
and soft surfaced (dirt), with individual spaces divided by rows of trees.
The architect wished to maintain the “grove” identity of our lovely
park with this unusual way to stripe for cars.
Until all the rains hit, the City’s goal was to have Phase One construction
done by April, but this may change. We should all be aware that some of our
earlier shows this season might have to be rescheduled if the City feels the
park is at an unsafe point of its construction.
We will not be moving the arenas until the City begins Phase Two of Walnut
Grove Park. When Phase One is complete, the City will not be starting Phase
Two right away. Instead, the City will be starting on many projects involving
other parks in their system. So at this time, the City doesn't expect to begin
Phase Two for three to five years.
Let’s keep this timetable in mind as we plan our fundraisers. We have
a lot of money to raise in a short period of time. When it is all completed,
Walnut Grove will be a beautiful city park, that has come a long way from
our rustic horse park of yore.
We wish to thank the City of San Marcos for choosing to maintain its relationship
with LVR and for its continuing support in providing public equestrian arenas
for our local horse community.
If you have any questions, feel free to call me, Carolyn Floyd, at 760-741-7449.
Happy Riding!
