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Detroit Horse Power Will Build a
New Urban Equestrian Center

(6/14) Detroit Horse Power has made significant strides since purchasing a 14-acre site from the Detroit Public Schools Community District. This acquisition marks a significant step toward the establishment of a unique urban equestrian center in Detroit's northwest side, aimed at enriching the community and providing an innovative space for youth engagement.


Detroit Horse Power plans to build the country's largest urban
equestrian center in northwest Detroit. (Rendering courtesy of Detroit Horse Power)

Overview of the Land Purchase and Plans

The DPSCD school board ratified the land sale on a recent Tuesday, marking a pivotal moment for community development. Concurrently, the city's Building Safety Engineering and Environmental Department approved the site plan, setting the stage for the transformation of this vast space into a thriving hub for equestrian activities.

Facility Specifications and Community Benefits

This new 26,395-square-foot equestrian center is designed to be a cornerstone for community engagement through a variety of programs including field trips, summer camps, and after-school activities.

Capacity and Infrastructure

The facility plans to house up to 17 horses within its stables, alongside an indoor riding arena and outdoor spaces that include paddocks for grazing. Additionally, the center will feature classrooms and a community space, fostering a learning environment alongside equestrian activities.

Educational and Development Programs

Detroit Horse Power is set to enhance its educational offerings through this new center by integrating classroom lessons with practical equestrian activities, which will instill a range of valuable life skills in participating youth.

PERCS Skills Development

The organization's programs are meticulously designed to cultivate PERCS skills-Perseverance, Empathy, Responsible risk-taking, Confidence, and Self-control. These skills are crucial in preparing students for successful adult lives, making the programs not only fun but also fundamentally transformative.

Impact on Local Youth

The establishment of this equestaneous center is expected to significantly broaden the scope of Detroit Horse Power's impact, particularly through its after-school programming and summer camps which now serve over 100 kids annually.

Social-Emotional Learning

Focused on social-emotional learning, these programs support positive academic and life outcomes, enhancing the overall development of the youth involved.

Community and Economic Impact

The development of the equestrian center is poised to transform 14 acres of previously vacant land into a valuable community asset that promotes environmental and social wellbeing.

Revitalization and Investment

By repurposing unused land, the project will not only eliminate urban blight but also increase property values, thereby encouraging further investment and leading to safer, more thriving neighborhoods.

Funding and Support

Detroit Horse Power's journey towards this ambitious project has been supported by a robust capital campaign, which has so far raised a substantial portion of its target.

Financial Contributions

The organization has successfully secured $5.2 million, with an additional $1.4 million pending, aiming for a total of $11.4 million. Significant contributions have been received from the State of Michigan, the Kresge Foundation, and the Meijer Foundation.

Partnerships and Construction Plans

As Detroit Horse Power gears up for the actual construction of the facility, it has partnered with notable entities in the architectural and construction sectors.

Collaborative Efforts

The groundwork is set to begin this fall with partners including McIntosh Poris Architects, L.S. Brinker, Wick Buildings, and Ethos Development Partners, each bringing unique expertise to ensure the project's success.

Historical Significance and Cultural Integration

The new Urban Equestrian Center not only aims to serve the practical needs of Detroit's youth but also to preserve and celebrate the rich equestrian traditions within an urban setting.

A Legacy of Urban Equestrianism

Detroit's new Urban Equestrian Center embodies a commitment to maintaining the cultural legacy of horseback riding, integrating it with modern urban life to create a dynamic community resource.

Innovative Entertainment in Detroit

Detroit continues to evolve in its entertainment offerings, and just as the Urban Equestrian Center introduces a novel form of engagement, so too do Michigan's online casinos.

Gaming and Equestrian Enthusiasm

Similarly to Detroit's new Urban Equestrian Center, Michigan online casinos offer a fresh twist on entertainment, providing innovative gaming experiences that are as engaging as they are diverse. Whether you're a horse enthusiast or a gaming aficionado, Detroit presents novel ways to explore passions old and new.

Closing Thoughts

Detroit's new Urban Equestrian Center not only promises to enhance the lives of the city's youth but also stands as a beacon of community revitalization and cultural enrichment. With the groundbreaking set for this fall, the project is on track to deliver an exceptional learning and recreational environment.

This venture will not only cultivate essential life skills in young participants but also boost economic development and community spirit in Michigan through its innovative use of urban space.