Residents urge equestrian upgrades, ask town to package ideas for county

Public comment at the Town of Loxahatchee Groves Roadway, Trails and Greenway Committee meeting on Jan. 15 centered on proposals to repurpose underused parts of Loxahatchee Groves Park for equestrian use.

Mary, a resident and consultant, opened public comment by praising the committee’s work and asking members to send ideas for park improvements by email, adding that members should copy Public Works Superintendent Craig Lauer so information can be shared. "I don't think we should limit ourselves," Mary said, urging the group to "think outside the box" about potential uses for underutilized areas.

Committee member Ashley Bruce and other residents urged an equestrian focus, listing specific amenities: an arena where the baseball field sits, cross‑country obstacles, mounting blocks, water stations for horses and safe trailer parking. "This park would be absolutely fantastic," Bruce said of an equestrian facility that could serve local riders.

Town leaders clarified the limits of local authority. The chair noted the park is county‑owned and that the town does not currently allocate funds or perform maintenance there; the town’s role is to assemble community ideas and forward them to county parks staff. The committee asked residents to return prioritized suggestions at a future meeting or send them by email so the committee can "whittle it down" to a short list for the county.

Next steps: the committee asked staff to collect ideas, include Craig in submissions, and put park‑naming or dedicated equestrian planning on a future agenda for further study.

Sources: public comment statements during the Jan. 15 committee meeting.