The kids of today in the southeast side of town have little outdoor experiences they can fall back on that are both fun and educational.  The opportunity to, not only visit these majestic creatures right here in our own neighborhood park, but to go out for a ride on horseback is magical to say the least.  These memories could last a child a lifetime hopefully forging positive relationships with all animals and a healthy park stewardship going forward. 

McLaren Park not only had the mounted police stationed right here at Louis Sutter Playground for several decades, but it also had two horseback riding concessions in operation dating back from the parks creation all the way through the 1960's.  A trial run was implemented right before Covid-19 hit the bay area that was both successful and extremely popular. Many underprivileged children were given a free horseback ride right here in McLaren Park. (pictured above) Probably none of these kids ever had such an experience in their entire lives!

The return of the horses, which were part of the fabric of McLaren Park for nearly 50 years, proved that if managed correctly, will certainly be just as successful and much more rewarding than ever imagined.  Also, having the horses and their wranglers’ presence in the park 24 hours a day helped park users and neighbors feel safer which is something McLaren would benefit from.

As with every change there comes some conflict but nothing that can't be worked through. Trails routes can be altered to avoid sensitive areas, but little can be done to alter a child's perspective and memories when the opportunity doesn't present itself. Let’s give the future generations an opportunity so many of us missed out on.  Let’s make the horses part of the landscape of McLaren Park once again!