Like I mentioned, the people with the Texas Horse Park treated us media types to some great views of where the park is being built. The 12-minute helicopter ride was wonderful (even with a bit of wind) and gave us a great idea of how big the park will be. The group is about $80,000 short of its $1,000,000 challenge, which ends the 15th.
To see pics and find out some fun facts about the project, take the jump.
As much as I enjoyed the helicopter ride, I wanted another view. So I took a ground tour. I got a great look at where the polo fields, cross country trail, and other riding trails were going to go.
One fun fact I learned: the City of Dallas did not allow the group to use any power tools in clearing the trails. Not a one. Not even an implement pulled by a tractor. It took many volunteers about six Saturdays to get a few of the trails cleared. Peter Payton, who has an awesome title (director of field operations and community outreach at Groundwork Dallas), said they used sporks to get all the ground cleared. He said they found some interesting things, but especially enjoyed the goat and wild boar skulls that were discovered. No human skulls.
It really is a gorgeous area, and it’s only eight miles from downtown Dallas. Everyone’s hoping to break ground fall 2011. I can’t wait to go on the horseback tour.
