JOIN US to hear the Horsepark Committee’s recommendations at the next Fairgrounds Board ZOOM meeting on February 9, 2021. Here's what happened at the last meeting: 

At the January 29, 2021 Horsepark Committee ZOOM meeting, the public again spoke our overwhelming support to keep horses at Horsepark.  

The Friends of Del Mar Horsepark presented an overview PowerPoint of the water quality protection infrastructure already installed and maintained by the 22nd DAA at great cost:

• All 10 covered wash racks are already tied directly to sewer lines, with regularly maintained pumping stations, as well as engineered flood control ditches.
• Extensive waddle borders the entire property, keeping clumps and silt away from the San Dieguito River Valley.  

No similar infrastructure existed at the San Juan Capistrano horse property that Orange County Coastkeepers sued due to water pollution—a lawsuit that spurred the 22nd DAA to close Horsepark in December, 2020. 

A retired CEQA practitioner spoke about the CEQA deed restriction on Horsepark that limits use to horses only. Any change in use would require a new, very costly environmental impact report that needs approval from the California Coastal Commission, as well as possibly trigger litigation. 

On February 3, Friends of Del Mar Horsepark engaged TRWE, a well-respected, experienced San Diego County water engineering consulting group headed by Tory R. Walker, PE, CFM, LEED GA, QISP. Mr. Walker is a registered Professional Engineer, a Certified Floodplain Manager, and a widely recognized stormwater quality expert, with 35 years’ experience in water resources planning and engineering. He has provided his services to a broad range of public and private industry clients in California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Arizona. Funding is supported by donations to our Go Fund Me Save Del Mar Horsepark:  https://gofund.me/beb3ab94

TRWE can recommend cost-effective solutions and assist in compliance with all stormwater regulations at Horsepark.  The San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board has indicated that a well-prepared Alternative Compliance strategy will hold the key to successful stormwater management and compliance. https://www.trwengineering.com/

Friends of Del Mar Horsepark continues to recommend leasing Horsepark to a well-capitalized, knowledgeable equine operator who can generate profits for the 22nd DAA, provide needed facility upgrades and water remediation, and include a public riding school.  We are helping the Horsepark Committee in finding cost-effective solutions to water issues, so that they can re-open Horsepark sooner rather than later.  

Thank you again for your great support for keeping horses at Horsepark.