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BALTIMORE, MD. (May 10, 2006) The Maryland Stadium Authority today released a feasibility study for a proposed Maryland Horse Park and Agricultural Education Center in Gambrills, Maryland. The study, begun in May, 2005, includes a summary of benefits to the agriculture industry, a master plan and facility design concept, an environmental review, an operation and management plan, an economic impact study, a traffic study, a cost estimate and a funding proposal. The architectural consultant team consisted of Richter Cornbrooks Gribble (RCG), Gralla Architects, Edaw, Inc. and RK&K Engineers. RCG is a local architect with expertise in the design of public assembly facilities, including museums and visitor centers. Gralla Architects is a nationally recognized equestrian architectural firm that worked on the WestWorld of Scottsdale Equestrian Park Redevelopment, the Oklahoma State Fair Park Rehabilitation and Expansion and Kansas State University’s Equine Education and Multi-Use Activities Center. Edaw, Inc. is a site and landscape architect experienced with horse parks and large environmental land use projects. RK&K evaluated the infrastructure including traffic and environmental issues. The team assisted the Maryland Horse Park Selection Committee in evaluating proposed sites for a potential Park, performing technical analysis of all proposed site locations. The consultant team confirmed the architectural program, prepared a conceptual layout of the facility on the Gambrills’ site and prepared the conceptual plans necessary for estimating project costs. Project cost estimates of approximately $114 million were prepared by Heery International. The economic impact study, prepared by KPMG, LLP, projects that $122 million in total annual spending and $9.344 million in annual State and local taxes would be generated by the project. Based on Heery International’s estimated costs, this amount is projected to be sufficient to pay for the project and generate a net revenue gain for Anne Arundel County and the State. The Maryland Horse Park would host national level show jumping and other show ring sports, steeplechase, eventing, endurance riding and dressage events and a variety of other equestrian activities for all levels of skill and interest. The feasibility study includes a proposed Agricultural Education Center recognizing the history of the Navy Dairy Farm. Robert L. McKinney, Chairman of the Maryland Stadium Authority, said, “We are very pleased with the time, effort and thoroughness that these consultants invested in producing the feasibility study. We look forward to receiving comments from State and local officials and community leaders.” Lewis R. Riley, Maryland Agriculture Secretary, agreed, noting “We believe that a Maryland Horse Park would have positive local economic impact and will benefit many aspects of the state’s agricultural economy, land preservation efforts and the quality of life for a broad range of Marylanders. Horses are an important part of Maryland’s past, its present and we are certain through initiatives such as a horse park, its future.” The study is available on the Maryland Stadium Authority’s web site at www.mdstad.com. Contact: Alison L. Asti
Maryland Stadium Authority
410-333-1560
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