Bartow makes a pitch to Polk County Commission for long-sought equestrian center
A vision for a Polk County equestrian-themed public facility in Bartow was discussed at the County Commission agenda review on Friday, and if enough community support comes through, a covered arena with seating would be phase one.
Bartow City Manager Mike Herr introduced a presentation containing a proposed 30-year vision for a possible county-run facility on land between the Stewart Center and the Peace River.
In addition to the arena, paddocks, barns and a camping area would be among the amenities developed during phase one. Livestock would also be accommodated.
Eventually, Herr and others at the meeting would like to see the facility go beyond hosting equestrian-only events.
Potentially one day the site could contain an agricultural charter school and a relocated University of Florida IFAS research center, with fairgrounds and an amphitheater along with 13 acres of grass parking. One or more of the buildings could also shelter horses during hurricanes.
“What I think is important is that the project have some champions,” Herr said.
The long-term vision would need potential partners such as the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and the Polk County Public Schools, among others.
Herr said the city had gathered information about a similar facility in Okeechobee County, but a more comprehensive study was needed, and he asked the county to consider $45,000 for a feasibility study for such an events destination in Polk County.
He said in discussions with County Manager Bill Beasley, he indicated the county could be willing to own and run the facility, and if that’s the direction the project goes, Herr said he supports that 150%.
He also said Plant City made $5 million annually hosting the Strawberry Festival with its music venue and suggested Polk County might be able to do the same if an amphitheater were added in later phases. An expo hall and a fairground could be possible by phase three.
As the discussion matured, the first step was determined to be an interlocal government agreement between Bartow and Polk County. Such an agreement will be drafted within two weeks by County Attorney Randy Mink for the board to consider at an upcoming meeting.
A Bartow representative gave an estimate at the meeting of $3 million for the equestrian arena. He said funding for all phases could come from a variety of public and private sources but by the third phase the estimate today is $140 million.
For now, the county has about $6.25 million that has been earmarked to develop an equestrian center, a project that has been discussed for more than a decade.
The last proposed equestrian center was to be developed in Fort Meade, but the Polk County Commission rescinded its pledge of $6.5 million toward the center in July.
The commission did agreed to pay preliminary expenses incurred by Fort Meade of about $250,000 for that city’s failed attempt to bring the facility to Peace River Park.
Herr said Bartow has not expended any funds on the potential project and understood the county was interested in running the facility. He also said while meeting with Polk County Public Schools there was an additional discussion about possible federal funding.
He said Polk County’s agricultural heritage could be highlighted with an annual county fair on the site.
“That’s what Polk County is about,” Herr said. “That’s what built Polk County.”
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Bartow makes pitch for equestrian center, shows it can be so much more
