North Miami council orders RFP for Enchanted Forest stables after years of deferred maintenance

The North Miami City Council on June 23 directed staff to put the Enchanted Forest equestrian stables out for bid and proceed with planned repairs after officials said the operator contract had been expired since 2020 and the facility shows years of deferred maintenance.

City staff told the council the current operator’s contract expired in 2020 but permitted continued use; roofs, fencing and other components need replacement or repair. The administration said the city budget and the Community Redevelopment Agency have funds set aside for work, including a CRA contribution of $200,000 to cover a portion of the arena roof.

“Two of the roofs are in the process” of replacement and the city has money sitting in an account for work, a council member said, adding the city must follow procurement rules to select an operator and address facility repairs. The manager recommended issuing an RFP and considering private‑public partnership proposals while preserving public access.

Members of the public who rely on the stables urged the council to protect community use. “I run MM Equestrian Farm at the Enchanted Forest Park,” operator Melissa Benton said. “The roof is rotting in multiple places…we have been getting traction. I hope that we can keep moving forward.”

Frank Woolen, who spoke in support of Benton, warned the council to consider whether a new arrangement would price out families who use the facility. “Before you decide to put this out for an RFP…think about the community that has used the stable,” he said, arguing the site should remain accessible and affordable.

A former elected official raised concerns about wealthy private interests seeking control of the stables; council members pushed back and said procurement will follow public rules and that documentation and receipts exist to address allegations. Council members stressed the difference between city responsibility for facility repairs and the operator’s responsibility to run day‑to‑day services.

The council’s direction was procedural: staff will issue an RFP for operator services and proceed with budgeted repairs to restore shelters and the arena, with the intent of maintaining family‑friendly pricing while repairing deferred maintenance. The council did not approve a new contract at the meeting; next steps include issuing the RFP and reviewing proposals.

The city also noted work underway to remove manure and invasive plants and to reopen previously closed shelters by the end of the summer.