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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BALTIMORE, MD. (Wednesday, May 11, 2005) The Maryland Stadium Authority announced today that it will conduct feasibility studies in connection with a proposed Maryland Horse Park. These studies will be undertaken in furtherance of the recommendations of the Department of Agriculture’s Maryland Horse Industry Board and with the support of the Department of Business and Economic Development. The horse park will be designed for use by the citizens of Maryland as well as to create an attractive tourism destination for out-of-State visitors.
A Request For Nomination of Real Property (RFNRP) for the proposed horse park will be issued this week. The RFNRP, to be issued to counties and municipalities throughout the State, calls for not less than 500 contiguous acres but preferably 800 to 1,200 acres with easy access to a major highway. The horse park is expected to be used for steeplechase, eventing, fox chasing, endurance riding, dressage, show jumping and similar show ring oriented sports, polo, western/rodeo, carriage driving, jousting, police horse training, trail riding and pony rides. The scope for the project will include at least one enclosed 5,000-seat arena, an outdoor amphitheater for equestrian competitions, festivals, fairs, tradeshows and concerts, 6 to 12 outdoor show rings and from 800 to 1,200 stalls. The horse park will be designed to appeal to the large horse show market. The horse park is expected to include concession areas, campgrounds, a visitors’ center and business offices for veterinarian, farrier, breeder and equestrian organizations. A museum to celebrate the rich history and tradition of the horse industry in Maryland and an equine retirement center will further enhance this project as a tourist attraction. The proposed horse park also will be used for structured educational programs and conferences. The site should be within 15 to 30 minutes of local amenities (restaurants and lodging) and provide an adequate amount of parking for recreational vehicles, horse trailers and for the personal vehicles of the event patrons. Training and other private recreational facilities could be incorporated to expand the appeal of the horse park. The feasibility studies will determine the best location for a horse park, a preliminary plan, initial schedule, budget and the economic benefits to Maryland resulting from the creation and operation of this facility. ### CONTACTS: Alison L. Asti, Executive Director
Maryland Stadium Authority
410-333-1560 Sue Kenney, Project Manager
Department of Business & Economic Development
410-767-5324 J. Robert Burk, Executive Director
Maryland Horse Industry Board
Maryland Department of Agriculture
410-841-5661 |
