Committee Will Select 500 to 1,200-Acre Parcel for Horse Farm

BALTIMORE-Working toward its goal of developing the Maryland Horse Park, the Maryland Stadium Authority has established a committee to assess proposals and settle on a site for the project. The decision-making team consists of two representatives from the Stadium Authority, two from the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development and three from the Maryland Horse Industry Board.

Proposed properties must offer 500 to 1,200 contiguous acres within 10 miles of a major highway and within a 15- to 30-minute drive to commercial destinations such as retail locales, restaurants and hotels. Responses to the Request for Nomination of Real Property, issued to counties and municipalities across the state in late May, are due by Aug. 1. While awaiting the proposals, committee members will announce an architect for the project in July.

The outline for Maryland Horse Park proposes a 5,000-seat enclosed arena, outdoor amphitheater, commercial kitchen to accommodate large catered events, visitors center, museum, administrative office space and parking facilities. And for the for the horses, a minimum of 500 stalls, six to 12 outdoor show rings, and boarding facilities for horses as well as the hounds. State officials want the equestrian center to serve as a setting for national and international equestrian events, and are leaving the door open for the development of training and other private recreational facilities down the road.