Resident proposes privately funded Polecat Creek equestrian center; council heard public comment

Rochelle Hewitt told the Jenks City Council she proposes a privately funded, climate-controlled equestrian and events complex on roughly 140 acres at Polecat Creek, saying the project would preserve about 90% green space while generating taxable revenue without using city tax dollars.

"I'm proposing a European style event center, roughly a 140 acres of the inner portion of Polecat Creek," Hewitt said during the meeting. She said the facility would accommodate both equestrian and non‑equestrian events and claimed that with "just 6 shows a year, I'll bring in over 1,000,000 dollars taxable revenue."

Hewitt acknowledged regulatory constraints on the property, telling the council the land "is in part of wetland conservation. It is in a floodway. It has punitive damages attached to the wetlands because of the OTA actions. It also needs a bridge." She said she hired PMG Group to request documents from the Corps and that staff found "1,600 pages and 2 more boxes" of paperwork related to the land.

Catherine Tangren, a resident who identified herself as living in the Jenks Public School District, spoke in support of Hewitt's proposal and emphasized the area's equestrian history and possible synergies with other nearby developments. Tangren said Turkey Mountain's growing popularity with mountain bikers has reduced areas used by horseback riders and voiced support for a dedicated equestrian facility.

City council members did not take formal action on the proposal during the meeting; public comment concluded after support and information were presented. Hewitt's remarks were framed as a citizen proposal and not as an item on the agenda, and the council did not vote or issue direction on the concept that evening.

Hewitt's assertions about economic impact and project feasibility will require follow-up review by staff and possible land-use or environmental review if pursued further.