The park’s BMX track is also set to receive upgrades. Photo courtesy of Elkhorn BMX

RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) – The Rio Linda Elverta-Recreation Parks District is giving residents another opportunity to share their input on the future of the Central Park Horse Arena. A community walking tour is set to take place on Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Current features of the park, an original property of the district, include a horse arena, BMX track and parking lot. The site is also home to Roy Hayer Park, located across Dry Creek from the arena.

Central Park Horse Arena is the latest of the district’s parks to get a facelift, according to Mike Heller, general manager of the Rio Linda Elverta Parks District. It is one of just two public horse arenas in Sacramento County.

For many years, the park was known for providing local equestrians with access to good riding conditions and entertainment. However, the park fell into disarray due to a lack of riders and its location, Heller said.

Potential upgrades include improvements to both the horse arena and BMX track, stadium lighting and bleachers, walking paths, improved parking, as well as restrooms and a concession stand to be used by equestrians and bikers. The district also hopes to build a second access point to the 12.5-acre park, and a better connection to Roy Hayer Park.

For many years, the park was known for providing local equestrians with access to good riding conditions and entertainment. Photo courtesy of the Rio Linda Elverta Recreation and Park District

“Residents want to see the arena brought back to prominence,” Heller said.

Equestrians aside, the general public has expressed ways they’d like to see the land go to use, such as a dog park and a swimming pool. Heller said a mobile dog park has been considered due to the size of the park, but it’s not a good fit for a swimming pool due to lack of fencing, security and creek flooding that occurs in the winter months.

“We’re a 10 month a year park,” Heller said.

The project is expected to cost $9 to $10 million, $3 million of which has already been secured. The district is hoping to obtain additional grant funding in the coming months, including from California Proposition 4. The project will be phased out.

Following the Oct. 11 walking tour, two more community meetings are being held for resident input: the Nov. 19 Rio Linda Neighborhood Association meeting at Rio Linda Elementary and the Dec. 9 district board meeting at the Rio Linda Community Center.

Preceding the walking tour is the long-awaited re-dedication of the Quarter Midget Track at Ron Hayer Park. 800 G St at 9 a.m. Oct. 11.

Residents who cannot attend the meetings and would like to provide input on Central Park Horse Arena can contact Mike Heller at 916-991-8110 or [email protected].