The City of Alpharetta and the Wills Park Equestrian Foundation broke ground today on the first phase of a $10 million project to revitalize and improve the Wills Park Equestrian Center. The project is a massive overhaul to modernize the facility with the goal of making it a state-of-the-art center for equestrian competitions in the heart of Alpharetta.
The five-year master plan for the Wills Park Equestrian Center includes building a new competition ring, the installation of new drainage and footing in all competition rings and the covered arena, new barns, shaded spectator seating and an office/spectator building to enhance the overall experience for horses, riders, and spectators. These infrastructure upgrades will ensure the equestrian center’s service to the community while empowering it to better compete with other horse show facilities throughout the Southeast.
The first phase of construction is focused on building the new 150’ x 340’ competition ring, which is targeted for completion in Spring 2022. Longwood Arenas, which constructed the rings at the acclaimed Bruce’s Field in Aiken, SC as well as other major horse show facilities, was awarded the contract to construct the new competition ring.
The $1 million ring construction project includes demolition of the existing parking lot on the western side of the facility, site clearing, storm water drainage improvements and grading to the site. It also encompasses underground electrical, sewer installation for future buildings, and installing the drainage, base, footing, fencing, and lighting for the new competition ring.
Last year, the City pledged up to $5 million towards renovating the Wills Park Equestrian Center, and the Wills Park Equestrian Foundation pledged to raise an additional $5 million to fund implementation of the full master plan for the facility. When voters approved the Alpharetta Parks Bond Referendum on November 2, it secured the City’s $5 million so the project could begin.