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Commissioners direct short-term agreement with riding club as city evaluates future of Rodeo Grounds
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Summary
After a workshop, the Burkburnett board directed staff to negotiate a short-term agreement with the Red River Riding Club while the city evaluates long-term options for a nearly 30-acre property that includes a 10-acre rodeo arena; the motion prohibits new permanent or temporary structures during the evaluation period.
The Burkburnett Board of Commissioners on a unanimous vote directed staff to negotiate a short-term agreement with the Red River Riding Club while the city studies long-term uses for the Rodeo Grounds property.
City staff told commissioners the parcel is about 29.9 acres in total, with roughly 10 acres comprising the arena and another ~20 acres of adjacent farmland. A staff presenter said the riding club’s original lease expired in 2015 and, according to city counsel, the arrangement shifted to a month-to-month status; the club has been paying $1 per year under that holdover arrangement. The presenter estimated the 10-acre rodeo area could appraise at about $70,000 and the adjoining 20 acres at about $140,000, roughly $210,000 in total if the city chose to sell.
The presentation detailed site needs, including repairs to the announcer box and bleachers, upgrades to the concession stand, and livestock-handling improvements. The presenter summarized one repair estimate as “about $20,000” to install metal piping and related work to improve animal handling and safety.
Commissioners discussed possible revenue scenarios if events were expanded. One staff member cautioned numbers were preliminary; a development official said, in a best-case estimate, the city could "gross maybe $40,000 a weekend" from larger multi-day events, but several commissioners stressed this was an unconfirmed projection and that initial capital and ongoing maintenance costs would offset revenue.
Longtime members of the riding club and volunteers urged the board not to displace the family-run operation. A resident who spoke during the workshop said the arena and grounds were built and maintained by volunteers, adding, "they built it by their own hands, blood, sweat, and tears," and asked the city to partner rather than take control.
After discussing liability insurance, staffing, event scheduling, and revenue-sharing options, a commissioner moved to "direct staff to work with the Red River Riding Club to enter into a short-term agreement while the city evaluates long-term use of the property, including provisions prohibiting the installation of additional temporary or permanent structures during the evaluation period." The motion carried unanimously.
Next steps: staff will draft the short-term agreement and return to the board with cost estimates, insurance requirements, and a recommended timeline before larger events (the next scheduled rodeo was noted for June 13). The board emphasized the short-term agreement is intended to preserve the club’s activities while the city evaluates capital needs, liability exposure, and potential long-term arrangements.
