Council approves 20-year lease for Serrano Creek Ranch equestrian center

Lake Forest City Council on March 3 approved a 20-year lease with Lake Forest Equestrian Center Inc., dba Serrano Creek Ranch, to continue operations at the Lake Forest Equestrian Center at 25201 Trabuco Road.

Adrian Grijalva, the city’s economic development and housing manager, told the council the site encompasses approximately 7.6 acres, sits adjacent to Serrano Creek and Serrano Creek Park and has operated since the 1970s. The current lease, first executed in 2006 and amended twice, would be replaced by the new agreement. Staff said the proposed lease includes a 1% annual rent increase and, over 20 years, would generate approximately $1.8 million in gross revenue for the city. Required services listed in the lease include boarding, riding lessons and tack storage; optional services include rental of tack sheds, blanketing, composting and summer camps.

Council members praised the facility’s historic role in Lake Forest and noted its use as an evacuation center for horses during canyon fires. Matt Ryle, operator of Serrano Creek Ranch, was present and answered council questions about operations and community programming.

Council member Voigt moved to approve the lease and the motion was seconded. The council recorded a unanimous vote in favor of the measure and the city manager was authorized to execute the agreement.

The lease extends a long-standing local recreational service and includes operational and stormwater management provisions adopted in earlier amendments. The council did not specify additional implementation milestones at the meeting; staff will finalize the contract documents and return them for execution by city officials.