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Story and photos by Shiloh Ireland
View video from County News Service
December 31 2023 (Lakeside) – County Parks and Recreation held a grand opening of the $16.9 million Dianne Jacob Equestrian Park on December 12 in Lakeside. Several hundred people attended, with Jacob as the guest of honor.
Jacob served 28 years as District 2 County Supervisor and is an avid equestrian. Her dream of a premier facility was unveiled to an enthusiastic crowd and local officials. Jacob was an advocate for many park projects during her tenure of 28 years in public office.
The excitement was obvious in Jacob’s demeanor as she cut the long red ribbon to open the beautiful facility. “This is awesome...It’s one-of-a-kind and it’s going to bring in events from all over the state of California,” said Jacob. “This is going to put Lakeside on the map.”
“Dianne has always been an advocate for parks and recreation – and for any program that engages families, especially youth, in healthy activities,” said County Parks Director Brian Albright. “During her time at the County, she had a hand in opening over 100 park features and facilities.”
The opening also featured family-friendly activities and an arena show with equestrian performers showcasing dressage, jumping and reigning skills.
Photo,left, Miss Bulls Only Rodeo Queen Kate Richardson
Photo, right: Former Supervisor Dianne Jacob
The facility has been planned since 2012 and broke ground in 2020.The equestrian center is situated on over 13 acres that will host livestock shows, dog shows, farmer markets, equestrian events , car shows, and other special events.
The grounds include a large, covered arena, an open arena, a maintenance building, a restroom building, a banquet hall, livestock corrals, a shade pavilion, picnic tables, parking and ADA access.
. The park can host a variety of equestrian and livestock-related events. If you are interested in hosting an event, contact Equine Event Services at (619)733-6920 or visit https://equineevents.org/ .
Sara Alfaro of Chula Vista (photo, left) was awarded the event coordinator position and was in the announcer stand busy announcing the program when ECM spoke with her. She is confident and professional--no stranger to the equestrian world, as her daughter performed for the audience in jumper class with an imported horse from Ireland.
Lakeside Fire Protection District made an appearance and San Diego Sheriff Deputies assigned to the Lakeside sub-station were present. So were several county agencies with booths, many parks and recreation staffers, queens for the park, Bulls Only Rodeo Queen, Escondido Volunteer Mounted Police, Girl Scouts, and more.
Part of the park is a a dedicated county park that can be used without fees and open daily. Contact the park for additional information.
The park is located at the northeast corner of Moreno Avenue and Willow Road. A day-use park located at the south end of Moreno Avenue will be open to the public daily, from sunrise to sunset, as soon as the operator is fully staffed. In addition, information is forth
coming on how to use other parts of the facility when not booked for special events.
Lakesiders' are proud to host this modern and premier facility that will attract events from South Bay to Orange County and beyond, bringing needed revenue to local business in this small equestrian community. ECM spoke to many guests at opening and all said it was well worth the wait. It is evident that County Parks and Recreation partnering with Sara Alfaro has created a Dream Team of excellence to serve the community, including the next generation of equestrian enthusiasts.
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