Residents pitch Pony Express Park at Silver Creek parcel; council asks for a business plan

Jennifer Bevilacqua and Brandy Skyling presented the Pony Express Park concept to the Summit County Council on March 8, urging the county to consider a parcel near the bottom of Silver Creek for a multiuse equestrian and agricultural education facility. "Pony Express Park is a very unique opportunity to create a multiuse open space property that honors Summit County's heritage, promotes equine activities, and provides a unique venue for a multitude of events and organizations," Bevilacqua told the council.

The presenters said the idea has evolved over a decade of community discussion and that the project would preserve open space, offer learn-to-ride programming for youth, revive agricultural education (4-H and FFA), and provide modest economic benefits tied to equine services. They said a recent survey suggested about 2% of county adults — roughly 3,000 people by their estimate — expressed interest in active equestrian participation, and they offered initial concepts ranging from a small POA-style arena to areas for arenas, temporary barns and limited boarding.

Council members welcomed the goals but pressed for detail. One member reminded the group that the county purchased 40 acres from the Peck Trust and warned that building wastewater systems or extending sewer could be costly. "There's no sewer here," a council member said; staff and council discussed nearest sewer lines, possible septic or private systems, and the county's likely limited ability to subsidize significant infrastructure. The council also asked whether Lewis Park (a county-owned property) had been considered as a lower-cost alternative.

Bevilacqua said the presenters had left a binder of letters and a petition with close to 500 signatures and that the group would return with a business plan, more detail on operating models (nonprofit, concessionaire or long-term lease), and further community input. The presenters emphasized small starts and partnerships with local organizations for programming and maintenance.

Next steps: council members asked staff and the presenters to explore feasibility, utility logistics, and potential funding/operating models. The presenters were asked to return with a clearer financial model and site analysis before any formal county commitment.