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Field of Dreams |
(News Release) |
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Excitement is building among horsemen in Northern Illinois about the possibility of developing a horse park in a new Lake County Forest Preserve. Over the past two years the Forest Preserve District of Lake County purchased Timberlake Park, Raven Glen farm and Ethel’s Woods, all located in Antioch Township. The adjoining land totals more than 800 acres. It immediately became apparent - to at least one horse enthusiast -that this would be a large enough parcel to have safe, natural, horse-only trails and horse-related activities. Nicknamed a “Field of Dreams” discussion has proposed a myriad of horse activities that could take place there, including rental horses for trail rides and lessons; a cross-country course and maybe a polo field. The feeling of those working on the project is that if the Forest Preserve Commission will agree to designate the new preserve land as a Horse Park, the uses and users will come. In the past two months, the word has spread in the equestrian community and is developing into a ground swell. Petitions are circulating through the county and beyond. A group of horse enthusiasts has addressed the Forest Preserve Board on this subject in June and July. The plan is to submit the completed petitions at the August 15 Forest Preserve Board meeting. In making their case, the group has cited the following facts: • In the immediate area (approximately one mile in any direction) there are 45 existing horse farms - with anywhere from two to 150 horses each. • We ask only for SAFE, NATURAL, inexpensive trails (mowed grass or packed earth). We need an area to park horse trailers and we would like to see the existing barns used for a stable for both private and rental horses. • There is no doubt a NEED for this. There are many stables in the area but none that have rental horses and trails to ride on. • Lake County is one of the most horse-populated counties in the country - #2 according to a national horse magazine - second only to Kentucky. Given this fact, we feel we are underserved by the Forest Preserve District. We hope that Lake County would take pride in this designation, embrace the fact that we live in a horsey area, and address the needs of the horse owners and riders. • Additionally, since the Horse Park would be in addition to the existing multi-use trails, we ask that you add a horse-friendly grassy strip next to the crushed stone paths to separate the bikes, trikes, and baby stroller traffic from the horseback rider. This would increase the safety and enjoyment. This is a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity for a Horse Park in Northern Illinois. To sign a petition or to obtain one to put up in your barn or circulate among your friends, stop by the Saddle Shop, or call 847/362-0570. If you like the idea of a horses-only area to ride in, in Lake County, in addition to signing a petition, please phone and/or write to the Lake County Forest Preserve board members, as they are the ones who will vote on this project. For a full listing of mailing addresses and phone numbers, visit www.LCFPD.org. General email forestpreserves@co.lake.il.us District 1: Ms. Judy Martini |
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