Posted: 1/29/04

Horse arena planned at Norseland Manor Park

by Elyse Kaner
Staff writer

Residents could be exercising or barrel racing their horses in a new arena in East Bethel by mid summer as part of a park renovation effort.

The Parks Committee is in the planning stages for a dual purpose horseback riding arena that would double as a skating and hockey rink at Norseland Manor Park on Fifth Street, one block north of County Road 22.

"There are no horse trails around here," said Laurie Slater, Parks Committee member. "You can't ride on the side of the road, unless you get run off the road by a car."

The arena would serve East Bethel horse owners and local horse-riding clubs. No horses would be housed in the arena and stables would not be constructed, according to a Jan. 23 letter sent by Councilmember Bill Boyer, Parks Committee liaison, to residents living by the proposed arena.

The 20-acre park, the third largest in the city, would be rennovated in three phases.

The first phase would comprise a new well, riding and warmup arena that would be used as an ice skating and hockey rink in the winter. A basketball court and parking areas would be blacktopped.

The second phase would upgrade the baseball field and add a warming house and bathrooms.

A shelter would be constructed and the ballfield would be irrigated in the third phase.

Of the 20 acres, only three acres of the park are used for ballfields and playground.

The city has received a $7,000 grant from the Minnesota Horse Council for construction of the arena. The rest of the funds, totaling about $120,000, would be paid from the park escrow fund, said Brad LeTourneau, public works director.

There are no arenas in Anoka County similar to the one being planned, said Boyer.

A riding arena did exist at Bunker Lake, but that closed about a year-and-a-half ago, he said.

Citywide, the park location was chosen because the soil is close to the water table and the land use does not allow building.

"It's not wetland, but it's pretty close," LeTourneau said.

The arena would feature horse shows, competitions and would be a place to practice and ride. Riders would have a place to compete in barrel racing, where people race their horses round barrels.

Another consideration is a venue for a rodeo during East Bethel Days.

Slater suggested other uses for the arena, such as llama and dog shows.

The city hopes to have a riding instructor teach lessons as part of a summer recreational program, LeTourneau said.

The arena would offer more youth recreational options such as skateboard, baseball and basketball activities.

"We don't have that great of a variety," Boyer said.

The main arena would be about 150 by 250 feet. A warmup arena, which would be converted into the ice skating area in the winter, would be about 60 by 80 feet.

Slater has already received calls from horse clubs who want to use the arena.

It would preserve East Bethel's rural heritage, Boyer said.

In the long run, the arena could encourage residents to East Bethel who are looking for larger lots. The city does not permit horses in lots less than three acres, Boyer said.

Currently, 80 residents hold horse permits.

A letter from Boyer was sent to 174 homes near the proposed arena, outlining the Parks Committee renovation plans.

An informational meeting will be held 7 p.m. Feb. 3 at City Hall.

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