The publicly owned Palatine Stables will close this Fall after some seven decades of equestrian operations, the Palatine Park District has announced. | Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
By Russell Lissau Daily Herald
The publicly owned Palatine Stables will close this fall after some seven decades of equestrian operations, the Palatine Park District has announced.
“While the memories of pony rides and show ribbons are recounted by many, the unfortunate reality is that expense of operations and fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers have resulted in a decision to end programming at the end of the summer season,” a lengthy statement on the park district’s website reads. “Boarding operations will continue through November.”
The last pony rides will be offered July 31, and parties can be scheduled until that day. Traditional Fall Fest and Family Campout events will not be held.
Citing the “unfortunate reality” of expenses, the Palatine Park District will close Palatine Stables this fall. | Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Built in the 1950s, the operation at 1510 W. Northwest Highway was privately owned until the park district acquired the nearly 9-acre site in 1988.
The parks board voted Monday to close the operation. The age and condition of the facility were factors in the decision, officials said.
Examinations of the arenas and horse pens by a structural engineering firm hired for the tasks “revealed significant deterioration,” according to the district’s statement. Repairs and other necessary improvements would’ve cost more than $2.6 million, officials said.
“The considerable financial investment required for the mandated renovations could not be reasonably justified,” the district’s statement reads.
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