A Horse Park in Aiken SC? That would be too Logical!

I am not one of the folks with "deep pockets" nor am I one of the old timers with a NIMBY (not in my backyard) attitude or that change is bad.

Aiken missed a great opportunity when the Sheik was interested in purchasing property in the downtown horse area. I know he is now selling the property he bought in place of the downtown property. However, just look at the amazing racing facilities showcased in Dubai a few years ago at the Kentucky Derby to get a feel for what could have been. Change can be good if it means some things are upgraded or improved.

I'm not saying we need a facility like that, but holding the Reining Championships in the Augusta James Brown Arena is a joke and losing the National Barrel Racing Championships due to lack of a facility was a sin. An Equine Community like ours should be ashamed we can't showcase all disciplines. Lack of space or facilities is not a good answer for an open and welcoming horse community like ours.

Yes we have facilities spread around Aiken that could be an adjunct for the Horse Park. However, they are not adequate to bring in the really big events that could bring jobs and an infusion into our economy. Now is an opportunity for Aiken to really claim it's crown as "THE Horse place to be".

I have never seen such an equestrian centered community. It's theme runs throughout all of our daily lives in some small way, even if it's just the horse head on all of the downtown street signs, or the life size statues of painted horses strategically placed around town. Yet "we" resist change when it could mean expansion of the horse community and the events held in the area.

I know there are folks for and against a Horse Park, and many of those against it probably have a stake in local facilities. If done right, the Horse Park could bring even more to the local facilities when folks see the variety of amenities already here, not to mention the welcoming attitude of the people.

I personally like the idea of an Aiken Horse Park. However I don't totally agree with the study's predetermined location north of I20.

After visiting the amazing Horse Park in Macon, GA, I never saw the town. Everything I needed was right there. If not inside the complex, hotels and restaurants have popped up along the outskirts of the facility. Why visit Macon in a busy schedule? Of course if I stayed longer I would want to get out of the facility. The way they structured it is a bit cold for my taste and not that inviting with only one open hamburger shop on premise.

Now if another location was considered, that "forced" visitors to travel, even along the outskirts of town, without disturbing traffic patterns, then it should be considered for many reasons.

The study location would make it easiest for visitors from the north or east. They could get to the facility and leave without ever experiencing Aiken.

Other locations are easily accessed from major Roads. If infrastructure is to be improved, why not look at other alternatives, especially those that would entice folks into town. That could help with one of the goals for local businesses and other horse facilities to do more business. Also a location that could revitalize a neighborhood in need should be considered. We have plenty of those not always thought about in our County or the Western part of the State in general.

Open your minds to the exciting possibilities a beautifully planned and built facility could do for Aiken. It would draw more horse people here to actually experience Aiken and maybe invest in property here.

Let's think completely out of the box and start imagining a light rail system that could take you to the Horse Park, to downtown Aiken, the Columbia and Augusta Airports, downtown Augusta; but that's a subject for another article that will be posted soon...

Whether or not the I20 location is cast in concrete, other facility amenities should be considered. The park should have a "Downtown Aiken" look and feel with sections named after places in Aiken. The walkways could reflect names like Laurens, Whiskey Road, Easy Street, Hitchcock Woods. 

It should be a welcoming place with landscaping and with a duplicate Aiken County Visitors Center Gift Shop in it staffed during expositions. If done right, it can host other events that are not horse related.

While you are at it, figure in a permanent place where County Shelter dogs and cats could be showcased for adoption during an event. Friends of the Animal Shelter FOTAS Aiken volunteers could encourage Travelers with horse trailers to transport some of our over abundance of animals to no kill shelters in other locations. 

Also build an area where local merchants could set up on prebuilt carts, wagons, carriages or "stalls" (you get the equine idea) and bring town merchandise to the travelers like they do at the Steeplechase.

You could even have a food court where some local restaurants or caterers could set up shop for a few days. That would mean that the fare offered would not only be hamburgers, hot dogs and French fries!

Don't charge the vendors and restaurant owners exorbitant fees and rotate the opportunity to be a vendor or food purveyor at the park.

If done right, a Cultural Festival or other large event could be scheduled annually there during off peak from scheduled horse events. Music, art, plays and dance, with strolling musicians and performers in the alleyways! It could be the perfect place for a family oriented First Night New Year's Eve celebration that are so popular in other large towns. An Ethnic Festival like they have in Augusta could be so much fun with the variety of foods they showcase. With a good Event planner on staff, a lot could be done with the right facilities.

Wouldn't it be nice if all of that revenue helps our County tax base and allows us to increase aid to the education of the children of Aiken County without increasing our taxes?

Yes, I am a dreamer and have a positive outlook on life. I believe it's time for Aiken to really embrace change for the better and build a Horse Park that reflects the beauty and spirit of the Aiken Community.

Now all we need are some folks with deep pockets and a dream to make it happen!