Wellington International Equestrian Arena Showgrounds Continues to Move Forward Preparing for 2009 Season
RELEASE: July 5, 2007
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: By Phelps Media Group
Stadium Jumping announced that the Wellington International Equestrian Arena (WIEA) at the Wellington Preserve has received Development Review Committee (DRC) Certification for the Petitions for both the Master Plan Amendment and the Development Order Amendment for the Wellington International Equestrian Showgrounds.
This certification allows for the project to continue through the approval process. The DRC is composed of Wellington staff members and consultants from various Village departments. There are two components to the application—an amendment to the existing Orange Point PUD development order and an amendment to the existing Orange Point PUD master plan.
In addition to its DRC certification, Stadium Jumping has been hosting a series of forums with neighborhood groups. The next forum for all equestrians will be held on Monday, July 9, at 6 p.m. A presentation of the project will be made followed by a question-and-answer session. To receive an invitation to the community forum, e-mail
EquestrianArena@hotmail.com. These forums are in addition to public hearings that will be held by the Village of Wellington as part of the group's application review process.
The forums have allowed interested property owners and equestrians the opportunity to learn more about the new world-class showgrounds and amenities, as well as the details of the project and approval process. In addition to these local forums, Stadium Jumping hosted a reception at the Lake Placid Horse Show in New York on Friday. Equestrians had the opportunity to view the renderings and discuss the project with its designers and Stadium Jumping executives.
The project has been called one of the most significant equestrian projects in North America. A world-class team of professionals are part of the blue ribbon panel of experts working on this project, including internationally recognized equestrian designer Robert Jolicoeur and nationally recognized and local firms that specialize in engineering and environmental issues. The project is slated to bring significant benefit to neighborhoods surrounding the arena, the Village of Wellington and the entire region by maintaining land values and creating businesses, jobs and tax revenues.
The group announced the Wellington Preserve Corporation will be donating 179 acres of land for the project. In addition to its donation of the land, the Wellington Preserve Corporation will be contributing a portion of the surrounding lot sale proceeds for the construction of the new facilities. The group continues to evaluate a number of financing options but is not seeking funding from the Village.
"We are grateful to the Wellington Preserve Corporation for working with us on this important project. Today, we are at an exciting stage in this process," said Gene Mische, Chairman and CEO of Stadium Jumping. "From the design and facilities to the environmental standards and planning, this effort has been unmatched in terms of quality considerations. I have no doubt as we continue to go through this process that we are building something special for the community and generations to come."
The WIEA will meet the new facility standards established by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), and will exceed visitor and participant expectations for show quality and ambiance. Its facilities for riders, horses, vendors and spectators will be unparalleled, according to various experts in the equestrian industry.
Applications for development approval and a conceptual master plan have been submitted to the Village. The following details are included as part of the project description:
- Target Opening: 2009
- Size: Approximately 179 Acres
- Show Facilities: World-class standards approved by the USEF
- Accessory Uses: All uses will be associated with equest