Members of the Oklahoma equestrian community joined City officials Thursday morning to celebrate the opening of the first-ever equestrian park in Oklahoma City, located in River Park at 800 S Agnew Ave. Nestled along the south bank of the Oklahoma River with views of the downtown skyline, the new park features 6.6 acres of open riding space as well as a 0.6-mile looped soft track trail.
Ward 6 Councilwoman Meg Salyer and Parks & Recreation Director Doug Kupper joined OKC Chamber of Commerce President Roy Williams, Oklahoma Riverfront Redevelopment Authority Chairman Gary Marrs as well as Rhonda Hooper, chair of the Oklahoma River Horse Park Task Force, along with other dignitaries, to officially dedicate the park during a “staking” ceremony that harkened to the original Oklahoma Land Run.
“Oklahoma’s heritage and history are intricately tied to horse culture,” Hooper said during the ceremony. “This park is the first step in a broader vision to create a fully-realized equestrian center in the heart of the city, a mile away from the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds and just steps from the historic Stockyards City.”
According to Parks & Recreation Department Director Doug Kupper, the park will serve to not only attract local riders and tourists, but will include programmed activities, as well.
“This is another step in filling the diverse recreation opportunities envisioned for the Oklahoma River,” said Kupper. “It’s a place where local riders can enjoy a day out along the river, or riders traveling with their horses can take a break and stretch their legs for a bit. It’s also a place where we envision being able to introduce our recreation program participants to horseback riding and horse-related activities, helping our young people learn a new skill while connecting with Oklahoma’s rich horse history.”
The park is open to riders daily from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. with parking suitable for trucks and trailers, but riders must remain within the park. Riding is not allowed along the Oklahoma River trails or adjacent land space.
Thursday’s ceremony marked the beginning of what the Oklahoma River Horse Park Task Force members hope will eventually be a $14 million equestrian development, complete with visitor center, corral, horse exercise area, public riding stable, plus open and covered outdoor arenas.
For more information about the equestrian park and trail, visit okc.gov/parks or call (405) 297-3882.
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Media Contact
Jennifer McClintock
(405) 297-3903 / (405) 464-9288
jennifer.mcclintock@okc.gov
