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Supes authorize RFP for
Campo equestrian center
By Joe Naiman
The Alpine Sun
CAMPO — The San Diego County Board of
Supervisors approved the issuance of a request for proposals to
develop and operate an equestrian center in Campo.
The supervisors’ Aug. 5 approval will solicit interest
from qualified equestrian operators and groups to develop and
operate a facility on county-owned property south of the
juvenile ranch facility. The county’s Department of General
Services will manage the request for proposals (RFP) process and
will consult with the county’s Department of Parks and
Recreation and the county’s Probation Department. The results of
the RFP process, along with a recommendation, are expected to be
brought before the Board of Supervisors in early 2009.
In September 2007 the supervisors voted to authorize a
feasibility study for an equestrian facility in Campo.
The county’s Chief Administrative Officer was directed
to work with the Campo-Lake Morena Business Association to
explore the feasibility of locating an equestrian facility on
the county-owned and to work with the county’s Probation
Department to ensure that the facility would not interfere with
the juvenile ranch operations.
In June 2008 the Campo-Lake Morena Planning Group voted
unanimously to support the general concept of an equestrian
facility.
The total site consists of approximately 700 acres and
was part of Camp Lockett before the land was acquired from the
Federal government in 1951. The various county and community
uses include the juvenile ranch facility, which comprises
approximately 45 acres.
A 166-acre parcel owned by the county immediately south
of the juvenile ranch facility has ball fields and some exercise
areas, which are used by the juvenile ranch facility.
The remaining portion of that 166-acre parcel is
considered to be the desired location for the equestrian
facility. A buffer area or separation between the juvenile
facility’s recreational uses and the equestrian center will be
maintained.
The responses to the RFP will determine the exact size
for the equestrian facility, although the size is expected to be
between 30 and 50 acres.
The developer and operator will be responsible for
obtaining any discretionary permits and building permits and
will be required to extend utility services to the property as
well as any other improvements required as part of the
discretionary permit process.
Likely amenities for the equestrian facility include a
show ring, a warm-up area, a round pen, horse stalls, an
office/maintenance building, restroom facilities, and a parking
lot. The equestrian facility would be used for the annual round
up, horse shows, rodeo events, team roping and penning, and 4-H
and Future Farmers of America activities.
Responses to the RFP will be due by Nov. 14, and a
review panel will make a recommendation of the most qualified
proposal, which would provide the greatest overall benefit to
the county.
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