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The Washington State Horse Park Covered Arena promotes the following goals and priorities <br />of the Kittitas County Tourism Plan: <br />Goal 1: Develop intesritv of place This project will enhance Kittitas County's character by <br />developing and improving the venue in distinctive ways to differentiate Kittitas County from <br />other areas and to engender local community pride. ln addition to bringing international <br />caliber competitions to the area, many equestrian event organizers have expressed their <br />strong interest in moving some of their large shows to a different, more modern and <br />conducive venue, This market opportunity represents approximately 40 new and expanded <br />medium-to-large size competitions that potentially could be hosted at the Horse Park. <br />Localeconomic impact is estimated at over $3 million. <br />Goal 11.: lnterpret interactivelv The covered arena will attract and engage a unique <br />segment of visitors, representing some ?5-30,000 overnight stays. These visitors will learn <br />about other recreational assets of Kittitas County, thereby gaining a richer experience and <br />helping residents develop pride in their locale. The Park's beautiful woodland setting, <br />system of trails, competition facilities and horse-specific operations make it a unique facility <br />in the county and the state. <br />The addition of this fifth arena - the only one at the Park that's covered - will be a keystone <br />feature allowing the Pa_rk to host larger events, extend its operating season from 5 months <br />to 9 months or longer, and attract many horse activities and non-equine events that require <br />a covered space. Such events could include trade fairs, concerts, compatible <br />sports/agricultural events and expos, antique/carldog shows, a winter carnival, etc. All these <br />activities will draw visitors to the area as well as provide a unique, multi-season venue for <br />local residents to use and enjoy. <br />It's important to note that this arena is the largest covered {not indoor/enclosed} riding <br />arena in the state and equates to a football field under cover, This large size and horse- <br />friendly design will accommodate some of the most demanding horse sport speed <br />competitions such as grand prix jumping and indoor eventing, and already is attracting much <br />attention, interest and anticipation throughout the regional horse community. <br />3. Use of Grant Funds: Please explain exactly how the requested funds will be used. lnclude <br />an itemized list. <br />Here is a picture of the interior of the arena as it stands today; the steel structure is gTYo <br />complete but the lighting and riding arena under it are not yet begun: