Miami-Dade County Parks Announces the Opening of The Newly Expanded ''Ronald Reagan Equestrian Complex'' at Tropical Park
A grand opening celebration for the newly expanded Ronald Reagan Equestrian Complex at Tropical Park will take place on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. The Equestrian Complex has added two new covered rings to an existing show ring – providing equestrian enthusiasts with more than 3.7 acres of exhibition, competition and performance ready arenas, under one roof. The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department and Miami-Dade County District 10 Commissioner, Senator Javier D. Souto invite the public to join them for the ribbon-cutting and festivities. Guest speakers will include Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez and Miami-Dade County Commission Chairwoman Rebeca Sosa.
Each of the equestrian rings provides 55,000-square-feet of floor space and has overhead lighting. The rings, as well as the existing stables are connected via new lighted covered walkways. The grounds are newly landscaped and the north parking lot is newly striped.
“The newly remodeled Equestrian Complex will elevate Tropical Park as a world-scale venue for premier equestrian sports and entertainment events. The expanded arena amenities will draw more business and visitors, and provide a financial boost to our community for many years to come,” said Mayor Gimenez.
”Tropical Park is one of Miami-Dade’s most beautiful and popular parks. Such outstanding equestrian accommodations will further maximize the park’s visitor appeal,” said Chairwoman Sosa.
“These new equestrian facilities are state-of-the-art and absolutely stunning. I am extremely proud and thrilled about the possibilities that lie ahead for Tropical Park, the Equestrian Complex and this community. The two new equestrian rings provide the much needed space for hosting large equestrian events; as well as concerts, festivals, rodeos, livestock, trade shows, and farmers markets,” said Commissioner Souto.
Funding for the facility improvements totaled $8.67-million and was provided by the Building Better Communities General Obligation Bond Program. The park development project is a product of the Miami-Dade County Parks Design and Development Team working in collaboration with Laura M. Perez and Associates, Inc. (Architect), SRS Engineering, Inc.(Civil Engineer), Curtis and Rogers Design Studios (Landscape Architects), Cankat-Essman (Structural Engineers), Fraga Engineers (MEP Engineers), and Lemartec Engineering and Construction Corporation (General Contractor).
“These two new covered rings will enhance the center and allow for a greater variety of equestrian, livestock and sporting events for the community to enjoy,” said Miami-Dade County Parks Director Jack Kardys.
The Equestrian Complex at Tropical Park currently hosts nearly 36 equestrian events each year, three state and local dog shows, as well as the annual Miami International Agriculture, Cattle and Horse Show, a three-day event which drew approximately 30,000 visitors from around the world in 2012, and horse and cattle exhibitors from more than 18 states. Facilities at the Complex are available for rent and can easily accommodate everything from special events to concerts and business seminars. The park’s nearby Mary Abreu Community Center is also available to event producers, businesses and organizations for gatherings. The building contains 4,320-square-feet of meeting space and seats up to 250 people; plus has a small kitchen, an outdoor grilling area, restrooms, and a parking area. Podiums, stages, sound systems, and assorted meeting equipment are available for rental.
Tropical Park is located at 7900 SW 40 Street, Miami. This 275-acre regional park also has four lakes, a veterans memorial, 6,000 seat football/track-and-field stadium, a tennis center, a dog park; facilities for basketball, racquetball, softball, soccer; and miles of paved pathways for walking, running or biking. For directions to the event, and information about upcoming events and activities at Tropical Park, visit www.miamidade.gov/parks or call 305-226-8316.
About the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department:
Nationally accredited, a three-time winner of the NRPA National Gold Medal Award, winner of the 2013 Florida Governor’s Sustained Excellence Award and the 2009 Florida Governor’s Sterling Award for excellence in management and operations, Miami-Dade County Parks is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 260 parks and 12,825 acres of land. It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world. Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises out-of-school, sports-development, and summer-camp programs; programs for seniors and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate at Cutler; the Crandon Tennis Center, home of the Sony Open; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more. For information about Miami-Dade County Parks call 3-1-1, or visit www.miamidade.gov/parks/.
Miami-Dade County Parks is supported by The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade a non-profit 501(c)3 organization supporting the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department’s efforts to further develop Miami-Dade County’s world-class parks system for residents and visitors. Its mission is to create a healthier, more livable and sustainable Miami community by ensuring the implementation of the Parks Open Space Master Plan and the development of year-round park and recreation programs for local children, adults and people with disabilities. For more information on the Parks Foundation, please visit www.miamidade.gov/parks_foundation.
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