The OC Fair’s Board of Directors has stopped the search for a new operator to run the fairground’s equestrian center, and instead wants to explore a new management model focused on public programming.
Previously, board members had said if a new private operator was not found, the equestrian center would be closed amid high expenses and little revenue. The facility, run by the OC Fair & Events Center, makes revenue through borders and trainers who rent spaces and run programming, such as riding and vaulting lessons.
A request for proposals for an operator who would would be responsible for maintaining the equestrian center grounds, offices and taking care of the horses was posted Dec. 4. However, at a meeting Thursday, Dec. 14, the fair board decided to instead focus on a new model going forward created with input from staff, equestrians and community members.
Gibran Stout, who runs the nonprofit OC Vaulting out of the equestrian center, said for years she and other equestrians have been asking for public discussions outside of monthly board meetings where they could discuss the best ways to manage the 44-year-old center with the board.
Fairgrounds staff and officials have questioned whether the equestrian center provides enough public benefits to justify the costs of running it, suggesting that the center is “not being operated as a public asset” and is “allowing private trainers and borders to profit on state property.”
Equestrians and community members have argued that when it comes to publicly owned land like the center at the state-owned fairgrounds, revenue should not be a reason to shut down. Users of the facility said they have been welcoming to the general public, providing tours and activities that are beneficial, especially for those who, otherwise, would not be exposed to horses.
When considering the magnitude to which the equestrian center serves the public, the fair board compared it to Centennial Farm and Heroes Hall, which are also…
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