An agreement was signed Wednesday between the Clarke County Economic Development District and the Clarke County Riding Club that will allow the Riding Club use of 40 acres of county land on Highway 145 South and Highway 18 West for an equine arena.
A meeting will be held on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the property and Jeff Arrington of the Riding Club encourages members and potential members to come out for a planning session to begin organization of preparing the site.
The objective of the Riding Club is to build an arena to host barrel racing, roping, team winning, rodeos and trail riding.
The entrance to the Arena will be constructed from Highway 145 South, just past the Highway 18W intersection; however, for Saturday’s meeting only, members are requested to use an entrance on Highway 18W.
Arrington originally stated when the project first went before the county board of supervisors; the goal was to provide horse riding opportunities for all residents in Clarke County and to help boost the economy in the county by hosting equine events that will bring in people from around the state.
“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 is allowing use of the land for a minimum of $12 per year; however the Riding Club will be responsible for all preparation work, equipment and materials plus maintain insurance of the property.
The county board of supervisors made the stipulation that if a potential business or industry was interested in the property, then the Riding Club would have to relinquish the property back to the county. The county purchased over 300 acres of land for a potential industrial park however, there has been no industry to date and the Riding Club organizers feel it can be utilized economically by offering equine events.
