blank- LT-SS-2020-001-Cle Elum- Horse Park

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Before the overall project was initiated, the Authority solicited input from current and prospective user groups and coordinated with them on project design details. The covered arena project described in this application has generated much support and enthusiasm from throughout the horse community thanks to its scope and attention to details that make it highly functional and attractive. Letters of support from current and prospective user Broups, the city, county, and other stakeholders are attached as Exhibit 5, 7. Studies: Please attach any feasibility or other studies that demonstrate linkages between the proposed project and the anticipated tourism impacts. Also please include your operations/maintenance funding strategy and business plan for long-term project sustainability {how the facility or facilities will be operated and maintained for at least three years following completion|. The initial Lodge Tax grant application to the county for the covered arena project included the Financial Feasibility and Economic lmpact study conducted by professors at Cent.ral Washington University in 2006; it is a large binder and we are happy to provide copies again if needed. The study is based on other major equine facilities, the vast majority of which have covered and/or indoor cornpetition space. Page 6 of the Addendum describes The Facility and states "the kev facilitv on the site will be a 200 x 300 foot covered arena". While the dimensions of the arena changed slightly, the need remains central to the Park's operations and strategy. The Horse Park completed its 9th full season of operations in 20L9, and hosts over 40 events annually in a wide range of activities with up to 300 horses participating in shows running from one to seven days for English and western disciplines. People are drawn to the park's first class facilities, convenient location and beautifu I setting. Each year the Park has consistently attracted over 90% of its visitors from more than 50 miles away {see Exhibit 2) , thus providing over 53m in economic benefits to the local and regional economy. Since its inception, the Park has been a true public-private partnership as envisioned in the state's enabling legislation, and has sustained itself through operating revenue, private donations and sponsorships and public support, Exhibit 2 reflects strong but slowing growth without the covered arena, because the park's largest shows have reached its capacity until more arena space is added, and inability to attract more large events without a covered competition arena. The exhibit does not include a forecast for 2020 due to the continuing significant'unCertainties iugroundlng the Covid-19 pandemic, but a return to more normal conditions in 202t. As reflected in the forecast far 2O22-26, the Authority expects the covered arena to attratt more equine and non-equine activities and to provide gradual but substantial growth during the 5 years following its completion. ln summary, the addition of the covered arena will bolster the Park's sustainability by attracting more events and visitors throughout a longer operating season. [Backgound: Exhibit 2 sumrnarizes the user metrics and estimated economic impact of the Horse Park, The measurement process includes gathering zip codes from all Park users, on- site surveys, the Dean Runyan Report provided by Washington Tourism Alliance, and discussion with event organizers. For Recreational Riders the visitor days and % non-local