The board of supervisors is in favor to approve a request by the Clarke County Riding Club to lease approximately 40 acres of land on Highway 18 West and Highway 145 for the construction of an arena for equine events. The only hold up is board members are awaiting an opinion from the Attorney General’s office to ensure that they can legally lease county land for recreational purposes.
Jeff Arrington approached the board in June with the proposal for the Clarke County Riding Club to construct an arena to be used for barrel racing, roping, team penning and also to provide trail riding opportunities.
Currently, there is not an estimated cost because they have not yet determined the size of arena needed. “We want to build one arena that will accommodate all events,” said Arrington. “We hope to get people from various events together to start planning, get organized, become sanctioned as a 501.3 non – profit organization.”
The requested space proposal requires 10 acres of dedicated space for horse events with 30 acres for overflow parking; entrance to the arena would be off Highway 145.
“Our association likes to support the kids and give them something to do,” Arrington said. “This would be a big benefit for the youth and keep them off the street.”
The county would benefit economically from revenue from events that would draw people into the county.
Arrington said the association will be looking at all types of grant money that may be available to help with the cost of the construction.
Club members are hoping once the board approves the request and gets started on the ground work, the arena could be added to the 2017 National Barrel Horse Association Schedule for events.
We will post any additional information regarding as the project develops.
