The Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority (OCRRA) is set to approve a conceptual plan for an extensive equestrian facility and riding trails along the south shore of the Oklahoma River.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/equestrian3.jpg


The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and members of the Oklahoma City Convention and Tourism Commission observed as early as 2010 that in order to fully deliver on Oklahoma City’s longstanding brand promise as a horse-friendly community, it would be highly desirable to develop public facilities where citizens could ride their own horses and arrange horse riding experiences available for hire within the city.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/equestrian2.jpg

A small group of early stakeholders met over the course of several months, conducting further research and eventually prompting OCRRA to task its on-call engineering consultant to produce a conceptual plan to study the feasibility of a riverfront equine facility. Stakeholders included representatives of Stockyards District businesses and property owners, the county sheriff’s mounted patrol, State Fair of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Hotel Association and city staff. The study effort was expected to help identify the kinds of amenities a public horse riding facility should include, establish general cost estimates and propose a flexible phased development model for consideration by city staff, river trustees and city council.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/equestrian1.jpg

Triad Design Group has completed its conceptual findings and proposes a series of development phases, beginning with the establishment of a basic horse riding trail, separated from but parallel to the river trail system accommodating bicyclists, runners and pedestrians. Following development of the roughly $400,000 in start-up facilities identified in Phase I, projects outlined in subsequent phases could be implemented at any time, and in any sequence, subject to the availability of funds from public and private sources. Future phases could include additional stables, arena space, competitive polo fields and a boat landing for the Oklahoma River Cruises.

Beyond the initial trail elements, future components of the project appear well-suited to the solicitation of private donations and sponsorships. At this time no public or private funds have been solicited for or committed to this project, to date, pending additional study and formal approval by OCRRA trustees and City Council.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/equestrian4.jpg

I love the idea. I wonder if it would be too far-fetched just use the horse facilities at the fairgrounds as the base for the operation and then have some way for riders to cross over or under I-40 via a protected bridge or tunnel (perhaps using May Ave. right of way) to get to the river, which would keep you from having to duplicate facilities that already exist not far away.

Just don't sh*t on the bike paths, please.

Just don't sh*t on the bike paths, please.

separate trail, i wouldn't worry about it

I love this idea, very cool. I agree with Bard, would be really great if you could tie to the fairgrounds, but I'm not sure how you pull that off.

Pretty cool and unique (at least from my POV). I had to laugh at "horse-friendly community"... is that really a thing that is widely sought after?

Pretty cool and unique (at least from my POV). I had to laugh at "horse-friendly community"... is that really a thing that is widely sought after?

A lot of money flows into city coffers every year because OKC makes the effort to be known as a horse-friendly community. It's big, big business, and it's why a major chunk of the fairgrounds are geared to horse folk. Food and drink, sleep nights, sales tax, motel tax. OKC would feel a helluva slap if it decided the horse folk oughta take their critters elsewhere.

"At this time no public or private funds have been solicited for or committed to this project"

So it could be awhile...

I love this idea, very cool. I agree with Bard, would be really great if you could tie to the fairgrounds, but I'm not sure how you pull that off.

Yeah, I'm not sure how you pull it off, because it would be no easy thing to figure out how to get horse and rider across the interstate to the river trails. BUT, if you could figure that out, you've already got the arenas, storage, hookups, and parking figured out at the fairgrounds and you wouldn't have to worry about taking up more river frontage with parking or storage for such an enterprise. I looked at Google Maps and it's 1 mile from the Jim Norick arena to the south shore of the river at May Ave and from there you could ride to your heart's content.

I had to laugh at "horse-friendly community"... is that really a thing that is widely sought after?

Agree with this. Being "horse-friendly" is our brand promise?

In regards to the horse turds, the smells from the Stockyards district and the police equestrian facility already make the west end of the trails pretty unappealing on a warm day. Other than infill, I'm not sure this adds to what the boathouse district is looking for.

It adds more recreation and things to do on the river, and that's great IMO.

Great use of this area near the Stockyards.

We had this already with the String of Pearls back in the 80s. That didn't last long. Because of that, I'm worried about the viability of this project too.

Not all cities can compete or stand out in every area. If OKC can do things to set itself apart as an equestrian market then that could be really beneficial. Filling the niche gaps can be the most worth the investment. Hope this works out.

Just don't sh*t on the bike paths, please.

OT as usual, but you should see parts of Hwy 152 and Mustang road after Western Days. Which is this weekend.

Just don't sh*t on the bike paths, please.

Yeah, the ducks already have that covered.

It adds more recreation and things to do on the river, and that's great IMO.

Great use of this area near the Stockyards.

Yes but at some point it conflicts with other things "to do" on the river. The two other livestock facilities already take away from what's probably the best system of trails in the urban core.

Yes but at some point it conflicts with other things "to do" on the river. The two other livestock facilities already take away from what's probably the best system of trails in the urban core.

What is taking away from the trails? Or is this just some other "ugh why can't we ditch our western heritage it's embarrassing" stance.

I think the smells coming from the stockyards and the police horse facility, which I admit I'm not fond of.

Yes the smells definitely have made me think twice about being out there on a windy day.

Honestly, I hope we go in another direction. I think there are better uses in the future for riverfront.

Yeah, the ducks already have that covered.

Pun award for the day!

I saw some people riding horses along the south side when I was kayaking on the river over the weekend, so I assumed something like this was already going on. I think it's a good idea, and it will take some time for the side south of the river to develop to the point where the odor and presence is that noxious. If anything, a horse trail will at least provide an activity type that is organic from the stockyards culture, and encourage people to visit the south side of the river more, which incentivizes Capital Hill and Stockyards development further.

What would be neat would be if everyday citizens sans their own horse could go down and go on a trail ride themselves. How do you want to see OKC along the river? By cruise? By kayak? By foot? By bike? By horseback?

Pick your option

That actually would be really neat.

I know ODOT is doing some bridge reconstruction in the next 5 years or so at the Amarillo Junction. Would be nice to see some coordination of effort to work an equestrian trail into the mix.

Also, how is the new trail from Lake Hefner to the River getting across I-40?

http://www.okc.gov/trails/documents/WestRiverTrail_Map.pdf

http://www.okc.gov/trails/documents/WestRiverTrail_Map.pdf

Not this trail. The one that is supposed to run down I-44 from HEFNER to the river.

dupe

This is the trail. Your original message said under I-40. Lake Hefner Trail connects to Lake Overholster Trail. Lake O Trail connects to this one. This one goes under I-40 to the Oklahoma River Trail.

All those maps are here: http://www.okc.gov/trails/


(p.s. it doesn't follow I-44 and never has or was supposed to)

This is the trail. Your original message said under I-40. Lake Hefner Trail connects to Lake Overholster Trail. Lake O Trail connects to this one. This one goes under I-40 to the Oklahoma River Trail.

All those maps are here: http://www.okc.gov/trails/

(p.s. it doesn't follow I-44 and never has or was supposed to)

Then please explain this:

https://www.okc.gov/trails/trails_plan.pdf

"Oklahoma City Trails Master Plan
Chapter 4
Page 119

J. West I-44 Trail
The West I-44 Trail represents the western section of the inner loop of the trail system and links Lake Hefner to the North Canadian River. This corridor will utilize wide right-of-way along a frontage road to the west of I-44. It could directly link many residential areas to parks, shopping areas and medical facilities. Some destinations along this corridor include Will Rogers Park, St. Clair Park, State Fairgrounds, OSU in OKC, Police and Fire Training Centers, Portland Plaza, Coronado Square Shopping Center, Baptist Medical Center, Deaconess Hospital and Madison School. This linkage is a remnant of Grand Boulevard.

I did say under I-40 and I meant under I-40. You don't have to be so arrogant.

No intention of being arrogant, just explaining how the trail actually goes today. Apologies for offending. That trails master plan is quite old if I recall (at least 10 years?). That means I'm probably incorrect in saying "it doesn't follow I-44 and never has or was supposed to". However, I've been following it all this time and always remember it being planned for Lake H to Lake O to River, so I'm not sure what they had in mind with the I-44 part. I have difficulty envisioning the feasibility of their proposal really (not that it wouldn't be cool).

There is an I-44 trail that is planned to go from Lake Hefner to the Oklahoma River. I believe that it will go down the west side of I-44 to 16th and then cross over to the east side. It will then go south to State Fair Park and eventually to May Avenue. It crosses under I-40 on the east side of the May Avenue underpass where it connects to the river trail. If I remember correctly it was approved last summer by the committee and council. Check the meeting agendas from July-August 2014. You should be able to find the plans there.

https://sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=JN.NQb557zl3oI6lA20%2ffSwKg&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300
Great idea to add more to the south banks of the Oklahoma River which should include the completion of the AICCM should the city make good on the state's offer. City will need to propose more access roads to this area because the potential will be great.

As far as the horse droppings; you hire a crew to clean the area or a horse Zamboni to cover those tracks--should make good fertilizer for some company that may want to dispose of horse manure or contract with the city for those prized droppings :tongue:.

http://www.okc.gov/maps3/projects/trails.html



Project budget: $39.5 million
##Construction: West River Trail completed in 2015; Interstate 44 Trail projected completion in 2016; third trail projected completion in 2017.
##Locations: Map coming soon.

Dang, $40M. That's why I couldn't imagine them doing it, seemed like it'd be expensive. And yep!

I foresee a less than desirable odor of horse manure finding its way to downtown. Not a fan of this proposal at that location

I know ODOT is doing some bridge reconstruction in the next 5 years or so at the Amarillo Junction. Would be nice to see some coordination of effort to work an equestrian trail into the mix.

Also, how is the new trail from Lake Hefner to the River getting across I-40?

If they do similar to the 44 crossing north of 40, probably merge with May Ave for a block or two till they are past it. Unless it jogs far east a different city street with an existing way through is a better choice, Agnew is at grade as well, Penn is a little less preferable since you would have to bike up/down the bridge and has more traffic there than the other two.

I foresee a less than desirable odor of horse manure finding its way to downtown. Not a fan of this proposal at that location

This is a silly complaint given the horse drawn carriages that already operate in Bricktown.

I foresee a less than desirable odor of horse manure finding its way to downtown. Not a fan of this proposal at that location

Compared to the nearby stockyards, any odor from this facility or trail is a drop in the bucket

There are some of us horse people out there that would love to have more places to ride. Right now the places or trails to ride in the metro area are limited. The roads out by me are now way too busy to consider riding by them. Just a note, back in the 80's when horse keeping was much more popular then now, I used to live a few blocks off of downtown Edmond and was able at the time to do a bit of riding around town on horse back via the alley ways. Not do able now. Ok, so what to do you do if you want another form of transportation that does not include a motor and you don't like riding a bike?

I may be the only person on here with this opinion but I dislike it. Really wish they'd reconsider. Already have quite a bit for horses. I'd rather see them turn it into 4 wheeler or dirt bike trails similar to what used to be along the river back in the day. I used to go out every Saturday for several years to ride along the North Canadian. There isn't much local around OKC anymore without driving. Draper is more for dirt bikes only and I feel like lots of people around here have 4wheelers or side by sides.

We had this already with the String of Pearls back in the 80s. That didn't last long. Because of that, I'm worried about the viability of this project too.

My thoughts too. It was located where Dell is now. I don't remember ever seeing anyone use it and didn't remember the hoopla in the news at the time about building it, or whatever did get built. All I remember for sure is some barns and a parking lot that buckled severely from the unstable old dump grounds below that weren't prepared properly for building on.


Construction of the first major equestrian development in the Southwest is scheduled to begin next year, following Tue sday's Oklahoma City Council approval of an Equestrian Pearl lease, said Stan Gralla, president of the Equestrian Pearl Development Co. of Oklahoma.

The target date for completion of the Equestrian Pearl is 1988, said Gralla, who also owns Gralla and Associates, an Oklahoma City-based architectural firm which will design the facility.

The terms call for Equestrian Pearl Development to lease 161 acres of usable land in a 270-acre area for $5 an acre per year or 5 percent of the annual adjusted gross receipts through Oct. 31, 2016, with options for renewal terms of 25, 25 and 24 years.

The $30 million Equestrian Pearl will include a $20 million family oriented horse park, office and recreation development plus a $10 million hotel and convention center along the N. Canadian River.

https://www.questia.com/newspaper/1P2-33473501/construction-of-equestrian-pearl-to-begin-next-year

Edit to add a following story:


The Equestrian Pearl Development Co., a private group which had signed a lease in 1985 to develop the Equestrian Pearl in the String of Pearls project, terminated its lease Tuesday with the Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority at the consent of the authority.

Joe Claro, vice-president and attorney for the development company, said the group decided to withdraw from the project because it appeared the project could not be done through investment on a local scale, due to the current state of the local economy, and that withdrawing would enable the city trust to interact more freely with potential developers.


https://www.questia.com/newspaper/1P2-5403066/developer-terminates-equestrian-pearl-lease-withdrawing

I wonder if there are any successful similar facilities in other urban areas? I still see an occasional horse and rider heading down 16th towards Lake Overholser. There were stables on NW 16th St just east of Rockwell. I don't know if they are still in operation or not.

...

The Equestrian Pearl Development Co., a private group which had signed a lease in 1985 to develop the Equestrian Pearl in the String of Pearls project, terminated its lease Tuesday with the Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority at the consent of the authority.

Joe Claro, vice-president and attorney for the development company, said the group decided to withdraw from the project because it appeared the project could not be done through investment on a local scale, due to the current state of the local economy, and that withdrawing would enable the city trust to interact more freely with potential developers.

...

How much development did they actually do with this? The String of Pearls project was a bit before my time but from what I had heard it was not exactly considered a success.

Compared to the nearby stockyards, any odor from this facility or trail is a drop in the bucket

You're exactly right. I grew up on a farm with multitudes of animals that produced manure. I rarely ever noticed any smell at all unless I got close to it. It's just not an issue.

How much development did they actually do with this? The String of Pearls project was a bit before my time but from what I had heard it was not exactly considered a success.

It wasn't. Here's an overview of the grand plan: String of Pearls Follow Pioneers | News OK (http://newsok.com/article/2002869)

That article is dated November of '82. Penn Square failed just a few months before that. It was the beginning of that bust cycle.

They did get parts of it built I know of and I'm sure some I don't know about. Trails south of Overholser Dam were built. There may still be a string of pearls sign there by the parking area. The riding stable I mentioned where Dell is now and there was some sort of riding trail system where you could ride under the interstate along the river. Nothing like what is described in the news stories. The other side of interstate east had a meandering paved track. I'm not 100% sure it was intended for go-carts but that's what it was used for. I used it myself a number of times. None of it that was maintained very well, was promoted for very long, soon closed and/or taken out.

I went to the String of Pearls (once). It was pretty low budget and actually fairly depressing. I'm also not a big fan of 'trail rides' that are usually a bunch of wore out horses that have the trail memorized and you are simply along for the very slow ride.

I've ridden out at Lake Draper - basically the same thing IMO - only better scenery.

The best place I've ever ridden was back in the day when Horse Thief Canyon had riding stables near Welston. The place had a bit of (exaggerated) western history and you were in the 'wilderness' and didn't have to stick to a trail the entire time. Really loved that place.

I went to the String of Pearls (once). It was pretty low budget and actually fairly depressing. I'm also not a big fan of 'trail rides' that are usually a bunch of wore out horses that have the trail memorized and you are simply along for the very slow ride.

I've ridden out at Lake Draper - basically the same thing IMO - only better scenery.

The best place I've ever ridden was back in the day when Horse Thief Canyon had riding stables near Welston. The place had a bit of (exaggerated) western history and you were in the 'wilderness' and didn't have to stick to a trail the entire time. Really loved that place.

I've been there. I've ridden horses at Sequoia State Park a long time ago. There's a number of good trail riding and equestrian campgrounds around the area. Cedar Lake comes to mind first. It's a beautiful area with lots of trails. I can't really see riding along the river in OKC as being all that desirable, especially as a destination. However, I've kayaked the Oklahoma River and while it's not much to look at, what it does have going for it is it's in OKC. No driving involved, and that's worth something.

I've been there. I've ridden horses at Sequoia State Park a long time ago. There's a number of good trail riding and equestrian campgrounds around the area. Cedar Lake comes to mind first. It's a beautiful area with lots of trails. I can't really see riding along the river in OKC as being all that desirable, especially as a destination. However, I've kayaked the Oklahoma River and while it's not much to look at, what it does have going for it is it's in OKC. No driving involved, and that's worth something.

While I may be wrong, I was thinking some of the earlier discussion about the trail considered connecting to the fairgrounds giving another option to do for people who had brought horses to events there.

There was and it makes sense there would be some overlap with that crowd and users of this facility, if they do end up with a separate facility. (I'm not a horse person and wouldn't know. I do know enough to know there's a wide range of what makes up horse people and the things they do.) It is a shame with the fairgrounds so close there's not a physical connection between the two where they could use those facilities at the fairgrounds or ride horses between the two, from the fair grounds to Stockyard City and back. As it is, they would probably have to cut across the OSU Portland campus and put a designated horse lane down Portland from Reno to the river. (Pipe dream.)

I notice the Sheriff department is one of the parties in this planning. I wonder where they keep their horses now? I wonder how much of the facility they hope to command or if they just want to use the trails? Coincidentally, or not, the OKC Police Equine and Canine Facility in on the north side of the river at Portland. It's outlined in green in this photo below. The largest building houses offices, kennel, stable, vet treatment area, indoor riding arena. The next largest building is a hay barn. The east half looks like it hasn't been maintained as well but is divided pasture with a couple of loafing sheds and has (or did have) watering stations. That was all built before the trails were.

The map above showing which part of the south side of the river might be used for a new facility, shows that new riding trail extending from the new facility east to about a half mile west past this facility. A short trip on Portland across the river and those would be connected. Farther up Portland, under interstate at Black Gold Drive and you're at the Fairgrounds.

I bet those few trail bridges like the one north of Dell will end up being shared bridges, horses, people and bikes.

http://s30.postimg.org/xicuvhrr5/equinecaninefacility.png

The trail and footbridge below Lake Overholser built as part of the String of Pearls I mentioned upthread has a sign up at the entrance of the trail saying "Trail and bridge are permanently closed."

Saddle up: OKC Council approves equestrian trail near river

By: Christie Tapp June 15, 2016

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Council on Tuesday approved the Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority’s proposal for developing an equestrian trail.

“We hope this will provide a space for the equestrian community where they can ride their horses in a safe and scenic environment,” said Jennifer McClintock, public information officer for the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department.

The initial phase is expected to open in August with a marked trail called the urban trail starting near Stockyard City and running east toward the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum. McClintock said the trail would be separate from the existing paved trail.

The second phase will include a suburban trail that will go west and will end near Crystal Lake.

Rhonda Hooper, CEO and president of Jordan Advertising, said she is working with the Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority to develop this trail because of her passion for horses.

“The concept is Oklahoma City is authentic in Western heritage, and a lot of tourists expect that when they come to visit,” Hooper said. “We’re trying to bring the best of the old with the new.”

Hooper said there will eventually be a place where visitors can rent horses, but everything is still in the planning stages.

“We’re giving people a place where they can get art and clothing but also that cultural experience with riding a horse,” Hooper said.

The trail will be located south of the Oklahoma River at River Park, between Pennsylvania and Agnew avenues. The plan also includes hitching posts and a parking lot for trailers.

Hooper said this will be a private and public collaboration. McClintock said the Park and Recreation Department is giving $7,500 from the general fund toward the project.

Hooper said the total costs and funding sources have not been decided.

Great news.

I think this is a fantastic use of that area, which we all agree is under utilized.

http://kfor.com/2016/09/29/first-phase-of-oklahoma-river-horse-park-opens-to-the-public/

I love all things equestrian, but is this really needed here? It seems like they could have utilized existing facilities at the fairgrounds and devised a way to connect to the south shore of the river easier than coming up with more money for more stables? Perhaps in the unkempt parking areas at the south end of the fair park?

I love all things equestrian, but is this really needed here? It seems like they could have utilized existing facilities at the fairgrounds and devised a way to connect to the south shore of the river easier than coming up with more money for more stables? Perhaps in the unkempt parking areas at the south end of the fair park?

Since those facilities are for the fair and horse events at the fair grounds, I doubt they could use them for a permanent operation so the city would still have to construct additional facilities. Besides, the river and surrounding area are a much nicer setting for thebase camp than an old parking lot surrounded by the empty state fair grounds 11 months out of the year and the interchange of two interstate highways. This also has the benefit of it's proximity to the stockyards and goes along with the theme of that area. Should help get more people to the stockyards in the future.

Since those facilities are for the fair and horse events at the fair grounds, I doubt they could use them for a permanent operation so the city would still have to construct additional facilities. Besides, the river and surrounding area are a much nicer setting for thebase camp than an old parking lot surrounded by the empty state fair grounds 11 months out of the year and the interchange of two interstate highways. This also has the benefit of it's proximity to the stockyards and goes along with the theme of that area. Should help get more people to the stockyards in the future.

All great points. It just struck me as a duplication in service with all that the fairgrounds already provides. But, there's no good way to get over (or under) the interstates to the river so this is probably best.

All great points. It just struck me as a duplication in service with all that the fairgrounds already provides. But, there's no good way to get over (or under) the interstates to the river so this is probably best.

I agree that right now there is some duplication, but the end game is for there to be horses onsite permanently that could be rented (for lack of a better term) to the public and ridden around the river. That being the case, I don't think the state fair grounds has space for a permanent horse operation plus all their other horse functions throughout the year so it's not really a duplication in the long run. Additional facilities would be needed one way or the other.

On a personal note, I think this is going to be really cool when completed! It will be a nice addition to the Stockyards.

Hello,

Any update on this ? So far, it is still an empty space. Some soccer fields had been removed but nothing built.
I think it is a great idea, overall when you see all the room around the river and rivers trails.

Hello,

Any update on this ? So far, it is still an empty space. Some soccer fields had been removed but nothing built.
I think it is a great idea, overall when you see all the room around the river and rivers trails.

There have been some recent rumblings but let me see if I can find out anything further.

$150/ft for a barn - i could build a kickass house for that