Commission to Weigh Lunging Arena Sites in Howlett Park

Two potential locations for a new lunging arena at Ernie Howlett Park will be reviewed tonight by members of the Rolling Hills Estates Park and Activities Commission.

They will discuss one proposed site next to the park Equestrian Center's dressage arena and another next to the city's maintenance yard, which is near fields used for baseball and soccer.

According to a report from the city's community services director, Andy Clark, "neither proposed lunging arena site is totally ideal."

The report listed pros and cons of each location, with a staff recommendation to determine the Equestrian Center site next to the dressage arena is the best fit.

The new lunging arena was brought up during a , as part of improvements to the Equestrian Center including replacement of bleachers and the dressage arena sprinkler system. Council approved the estimated $110,000 bleacher replacement and $5,000 sprinkler system project during its Sept. 13 meeting. Council members will wait to vote on whether to approve the use of $60,000 for the lunging arena. The Howlett Park improvements will be funded by Quimby Funds earmarked for public equestrian facilities improvements.

Members of the Palos Verdes Chapter of the California Dressage Society opposed the lunging arena's placement near the dressage arena in a Sept. 12 letter to the commission and city council.

"We feel that its placement at the end of the parking lot/baseball fields is a better site," the chapter said in the letter. "It would be more costly, less safe, have a negative impact on the aesthetics of the park, and be located in an area less accessible during shows and on a daily basis.

"While we understand the importance of the development of this lunging area for the to maintain its 'A' rating, as long as their need is met by the back location, there must be consideration for all of the other events that take place in the park throughout the year and on a daily basis."

Tonight's Rolling Hills Estates Park and Activities Commission meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., at , 4045 Palos Verdes Drive North.

View the commission memorandum, including a map of the proposed lunging arena locations, in this article's photo gallery.