PORT TOWNSEND — Nearly two years in the making, Jefferson Equestrian Association members are taking big strides toward building a world-class horse park in Jefferson County beginning next year.
“The impetus for this whole thing is the county’s young riders who really don’t have their own place,” said association member Sharon Dembro.
Such a facility would give youths a nearby place to ride year-round.
Two years ago, Dembro said, a group of horse enthusiasts approached county officials, learning that the county owned an 80-acre parcel off Cape George Road, southwest of Port Townsend.
The site has been partially logged out and replanted in the past two years, but forestland still remains.
As proposed and awaiting review by county parks officials and ultimate approval from the county commissioners is an agreement that would allow the association to develop, manage and maintain the site.
It would give club members the power to schedule use, determine fees and organize events.