Palatine Stables Pala ne Park District
Summer 2017
The Newsletter of the Palatine Stables
Projects at Palatine Stables Outdoor Arena Footing and New Fencing
The renovation of the main outdoor arena base and footing is complete! Our hope is that we will no longer experience the drainage issues and ponding of water inside the arena that we had become almost accustomed to in the past several years. It had been more than twenty years since the arena was originally installed and the heavy usage over the years had deteriorated the base to the point where just adding sand was not the answer. In addition to the renovation of the base and the installation of new sand footing, the arena was enlarged to a length of 250’. The longer length will allow us to set longer lines and combinations for our jumping courses and accommodate longer approaches and landings as well. The perimeter fencing around the arena was replaced with beautiful new 2 rail PVC Fence which will allow for better spectator viewing.
Meadowlark Park
The temporary horse trails through the Meadowlark Park property are complete and as soon as things dry up a bit Palatine Stables’ boarders will be allowed to trail ride their horses through the park. The utilization of this property adjacent to the Palatine Stables will provide a safe trail riding experience and the enjoyment of getting out of the arena.
Indoor Washrack
The construction of the Indoor Washrack has been a long awaited improvement to Palatine Stables. Although originally scheduled to be completed in 2016, additional costs exceeded the budgeted amount for this project. The project was requested again for 2017 Capital Projects and received approval from the Park Board. The project should commence sometime this summer.
Indoor Arena Lighting
The Upper Barn Indoor Arena lights received an upgrade to LED lighting. This spring, Palatine Park District was awarded a $6,667 grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The grant covered approximately 60% of the project costs with the remainder coming from the Park District Capital Budget. The new 85W LED fixtures and bulbs will save 48,618 KWH per year resulting in a $4,000 savings in utility costs. This savings equates into a little less than one year return on the investment for materials purchased for the project. In addition to the savings, the light will be brighter with less shadowing on the footing surface, creating a uniformly lit arena space.
Hay Shed Cupola
The ventilation in the existing hay shed will be improved considerably with the installation of a rooftop Cupola. The cupola on the barn and hay shed roof are designed to exhaust hot air which naturally rises into the peak of the roof. Exhausting the hot air will provide an improvement to the fire safety aspect of our hay storage. The cupola, which will be installed this summer by the Palatine Park District Parks Department, is a typical barn roof design which can be seen on many barns and race tracks in the area.
Palatine Stables Hours Monday-Thursday: 9am to 9pm Friday: Closed Saturday & Sunday: 9am to 5pm
Pony Fun! Pony Rides
Come on over to the pony barn where a parent or adult can lead their child on a pony around our pony path. The fee is $7 per ride, or $15 for a half hour pony rental. Bring your camera, because kids on ponies make for the best pictures! Pony rides are for children under 4’ 6” in height between the ages of 1 and 10. Parent or adult supervision is required. The indoor arena will be used during the winter months. Fall Pony Ride hours are: Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am-12:00pm Summer Pony Ride hours are: Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am-12:00pm Tuesday and Wednesday*, 1:00-3:00pm *T/W dates: June 12-August 9 only
Pony Parties
Plan a party that will make your child’s birthday one to remember with a Pony Party at Palatine Stables. Parties are for 4 to 12 children with adult supervision required. The party will include a helpful staff member, pony rides, pony “prettying” playtime, and an area for post pony partying. The indoor arena will be used during the winter months. You provide the food, beverages, paper goods, and guests. Call Palatine Stables at 847-359-0009 to book your event today! Pony Party hours are: Saturday & Sunday: 12:00-2:00pm or 2:30-4:30pm
Palatine Stables is a facility of Palatine Park District 1510 W. Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL 60067 • (847) 359-0009 • www.palatineparks.org Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PalatineStablesPPD