The Village of Wellington’s planning and zoning board will hold a hearing this week on requests for zoning changes that would enable construction of an expansion to the existing Wellington International Showgrounds.
The concept would refurbish the current grounds where the Winter Equestrian Festival is held, making it a base for dressage and hunters. The new 90-acre section would host the jumpers and a stadium, nine rings (two indoors) and stabling are part of the package, which would also allow for more parking and make the showgrounds contiguous. Currently, dressage is held at the Equestrian Village, a three- or four-minute drive (depending on traffic) from the current facility.
Diagram of the existing and new showgrounds.
Before the expanded showgrounds can become reality, however, action must be taken on a larger zoning change application relating to the Wellington North and South developments that Wellington Lifestyle Partners is leading to create an “equestrian lifestyle community.”
The Village’s Equestrian Preserve Committee last month rejected the zoning changes for housing because of encroachment into the preserve. Members also observed that they had seen no plans for the new showgrounds footprint. Without that, they were skeptical about the entire project, and there is great opposition to the rezoning that would allow for more housing in the Village.
Wellington International President Michael Stone has explained in a letter what is going on,the importance of the rezoning, what it means for the showgrounds, and how the two projects are intertwined. Click here to read what he has to say.