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Residents urge council to preserve Roar Park equestrian arena amid redevelopment plans
Summary
Dozens of residents, horse owners and local groups urged the council to keep the Roar Park (equestrian) arena in Bonita, telling the council the facility is culturally significant, used for training and emergency animal evacuations and not easily replaced by other fields.
During public comment the council heard sustained testimony from Bonita and Chula Vista residents urging retention of the Roar Park equestrian arena amid redevelopment planning for nearby parks.
Speakers including Janine Reed (Bonita Valley Horseman), John Fisher (longtime Bonita resident and business owner) and Susan Hevelin described the arena as a unique, no-fee public space for horseback riding, a cultural resource for families who ride together and an essential facility for large-animal evacuation in disasters. "Royal Park Arena is close by and safe," said Susan Hevelin, who also recounted rescue work during regional flooding.
Commenters said alternatives such as moving horses to Del Mar are impractical and that equestrian uses support youth and older riders who lack other venues in the valley. Several speakers asked council members to preserve equestrian facilities in the planned redevelopment and to pursue design solutions that maintain the arena.
Council members did not take immediate action on park design at the meeting; staff and council indicated public feedback would be considered as plans continue to evolve.
