WSHP Covered Arena & Associated Build-Out-Cle Elum

Home Browse Search

WASHINGTON STATEHORSEÆg March 2,2017 Senator Jim Honeyford Way and Means,Vice-Chair capital Budget Committee 112 Irv Newhouse Building PO Box 40415 Olympia,WA 98504 Senator Judy Warnick Chair,Economic Development Committee 103 Irv Newhouse Building PO Box 40413 Olympia,WA 98504 Dear Senators: The Washington State Horse Park Authority Board and Executive Director believe it is imperative for the Horse Park to add a well-designed and constructed Covered Arena to its facilities in order to adequately serve the State's diverse horse sport disciplines and achieve the Park's mission as set forth in the Authority's enabling legislation in 1995,RCW79A.30. Background The Authority was able to secure 112 acres of very suitable and beautiful land in central Washington as a donation from Suncadia resort,and to develop the Park's initial infrastructure thanks to a $3.5m grant from the State's 2006-07 capital budget.Since opening in 2010,the Park has added a 4th competition arena,80 more permanent stalls for a total of 160 today,and built two cross country courses and a competitive trail course.All these improvements and many other important amenities and equipment acquisitions have been made possible by significant private donations and volunteerism, as well as reinvestment of operating proceeds,business sponsorships and a County grant for bleachers. The horse community values and supports the Park,and is eager for it to continue develepment into the premier competition facility in the Pacific Northwest.The Park has developed a reputatiþn for quality facilities and excellent footing (sometimes referred to as "ground"in western disciplines)which is critical for horse safety and performance.We now hold 40 events during the April to Ocjober season, attracting over 30,000 visitors,and host some of the largest and most prestigious annual events in the State's English and Western disciplines.