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San Juan Capistrano plans to expand park
Local business and residents are expected to benefit from the development.
BY Ashly McGlonePublished: March 16, 2010 07:40 AM
The city of San Juan Capistrano is considering the expansion of Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, which is located at the southwest corner of Ortega Highway and La Pata Ave.
The horse-riding park hosts an array of competitive year-round recreation events, including hunter and jumper shows, English and Western Horse shows, and annual rodeo and soccer tournaments.
A city subcommittee – consisting of Mayor Pro Tem Laura Freese and Council Member Mark Nielsen – is in preliminary talks with the two park’s current tenants about the 132-acre property, which was acquired on Jan. 20.
One tenant, Blenheim Facility Management, operates the park’s equestrian and soccer properties, and the other, The Oaks, leases the adjacent property along Ortega Highway.
The expanded property also includes a lemon grove.
"We are planning to review a number of options with the current tenants to make sure the city and our taxpayers receive the greatest long-term benefits from this property acquisition," says Nielsen, who also chairs the city's Open Space Committee. "Early indications from the tenants confirm their willingness to discuss all options, though both have expressed a desire to stay active with the property as long as the city desires."
The city and surrounding businesses are expected to benefit from the new ownership, according to Freese.
“This piece of land is another jewel in San Juan’s crown of jewels," says Freese. "In 2010, we will be receiving revenue from the operation of the property, as well as the economic ripple effect from the shows that are scheduled. We hope to carry that economic development to the businesses along Ortega Highway and the downtown area by possibly establishing a shuttle to easily move folks from the park to downtown.”
Equestrian events at the park will continue to be operated by Blenheim Facility Management. Upcoming equestrian events at the park include Blenheim County 2 March 20 and 21 and the Blenheim Spring Tournament March 30 through April 3.
Related stories
San Juan Capistrano puts trails on the Web
City of San Juan Capistrano receives Spotlight Award
'Romance of the Mission' fundraising gala
San Juan Capistrano's general obligation bonds upgraded to AAA
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The horse-riding park hosts an array of competitive year-round recreation events, including hunter and jumper shows, English and Western Horse shows, and annual rodeo and soccer tournaments. A city subcommittee – consisting of Mayor Pro Tem Laura Freese and Council Member Mark Nielsen – is in preliminary talks with the two park’s current tenants about the 132-acre property, which was acquired on Jan. 20. One tenant, Blenheim Facility Management, operates the park’s equestrian and soccer properties, and the other, The Oaks, leases the adjacent property along Ortega Highway. The expanded property also includes a lemon grove. "We are planning to review a number of options with the current tenants to make sure the city and our taxpayers receive the greatest long-term benefits from this property acquisition," says Nielsen, who also chairs the city's Open Space Committee. "Early indications from the tenants confirm their willingness to discuss all options, though both have expressed a desire to stay active with the property as long as the city desires." The city and surrounding businesses are expected to benefit from the new ownership, according to Freese. “This piece of land is another jewel in San Juan’s crown of jewels," says Freese. "In 2010, we will be receiving revenue from the operation of the property, as well as the economic ripple effect from the shows that are scheduled. We hope to carry that economic development to the businesses along Ortega Highway and the downtown area by possibly establishing a shuttle to easily move folks from the park to downtown.” Equestrian events at the park will continue to be operated by Blenheim Facility Management. Upcoming equestrian events at the park include Blenheim County 2 March 20 and 21 and the Blenheim Spring Tournament March 30 through April 3. Related stories San Juan Capistrano puts trails on the Web City of San Juan Capistrano receives Spotlight Award 'Romance of the Mission' fundraising gala San Juan Capistrano's general obligation bonds upgraded to AAA |
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