Friends of Del Mar Horsepark posted an anonymous on-line survey regarding suggested upgrades made at the March 9, 2021 Fairgrounds Board meeting. Over 10 days, we received 381 responses from the equestrian community through Survey Monkey.
Dustin Fuller, staff planner for the 22nd DAA, presented possible upgrades that included paving, RV hookups to sewer lines, renovating the public restroom, replacing the electrical transformer, adding a second covered arena, and adding lighting to arenas. He said that they needed feedback from the equestrian community.
Of the 381 respondents, 82% have visited Horsepark more than 6 times in the past 10 years. 10 are professional show organizers.
TOP GRADED IMPROVEMENTS—across the board winning suggestions
- UPGRADE SHOW BARNS
- REPLACE ARENA FOOTING
Overall sentiment: “Del Mar Horse Park is a lovely & treasured Equine Facility. Everything about the location is desirable. Just about everything on the above list really falls into standard & on-going up-keep, repair & maintenance of the Horsepark show grounds. Footing wears out & becomes unsafe for horses that are jumping. Proper up-keep keeps the Horse Park safe for Horses, riders, spectators, training, vendors etc. The grass Show fields are rare in California & make the grounds qualify for some of the highest-level competitions to take place there…”
SECONDARY EVENTS SUGGESTIONS—360 responses.
- 257 comments mentioned animal-related events, including dog shows, agility, obedience, horse clinics, all-breed horse shows, rodeo, livestock shows, 4-H/FFA, pet adoption
- 128 comments included group events, car shows, arts/crafts, pop-up retail, food & wine, outdoor sports
SUGGESTIONS TO MANAGEMENT--361 responses
- 104 comments—re-open Horsepark
- 87 comments—include horse professionals (55 of 87) in Board/staff decision-making, improve communication & friendly attitudes, and much improved transparency
- 66 comments—Horsepark highly important to the entire Southern California horse community and historically significant to Del Mar and San Diego County.
Overall sentiment: “PLEASE listen to the community and maintain an input committee that would include 22nd Ag, trainers at the park, and community members. This forum could provide incredible guidance.”
“The Del Mar Horse Park is vital as an equestrian venue to both the community and the broader region. As more and more open spaces and equestrian venues are disappearing due to development and a general loss of open spaces, the Del Mar Horse Park remains an iconic, historical and beloved site of important events for a broad range and type of equestrian events. The Horse Park keeps the connection to horse sports alive in an area of California that has been integral to the development of Equestrian sports in San Diego County, the state of California and the United States.”
“Please accept the offer of help and money and expertise of these managers/show operators and get Showpark up and running again as a premier equestrian venue and economic boost for all the local hotels and restaurants that have suffered during the pandemic.”
Thanks to all of you who responded to this survey!
TAKE ACTION NOW! Send email to Del Mar Fairgrounds Board members via doleary@sdfair.com; sign up for the ZOOM Board meeting on April 9, 2021, starting 1:30pm.