Bear Creek Stables

Bear Creek Stables Ad Hoc Committee

Bear Creek Stables is a boarding and training facility for over 70 horses that has been in operation since the 1930s. Following the Midpen’s acquisition of the site in 1999, the Stables have continued existing operations and public programs within Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

On May 14, 2024, the board of directors were presented a staff update on the Bear Creek Stables Capital Maintenance and Repair Project, County permit status, escalating project costs and unanticipated long-term operational costs along with alternative options for continued operation or Stable closure. 

The board formed an Ad Hoc Committee to consider additional options and engage the community for input on the following:

  • Stables or operations management
  • Architectural and engineering experience
  • Therapy programs
  • Fundraising including grants

The board further directed the Committee to work with elected officials to support the stables.

The Committee was directed to evaluate options and return to the Board with a recommendation in approximately four months.

 

Ad Hoc Committee Purpose and Charge​

  • Work with community members with experience in areas identified by the Board, including stables operation, programming and maintenance, architecture, landscape architecture and engineering, equine community programming, and fundraising to explore and develop potential additional options for long-term stables operation. 
     
  • Evaluate and present options for full Board consideration consistent with the Board approved Bear Creek Stables Goals as outlined in the 2017 Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve Plan: 
    • Emphasize the protection of the site’s natural resources; 
    • Maximize public benefits by broadening public access and use of the facility, and; 
    • Develop a viable plan that is financially feasible for both a tenant and District. 
       
  • Work with elected officials to support the stables. 

 

Focused Working Groups Goals ​

The three Focused Working Groups will each work with one Ad Hoc Committee member to explore, identify and evaluate potential options within their subject matter expert area and bring recommendations to the full Ad Hoc Committee:​

  • Operations & Programming​
    • Explore a range of alternative operational and programming models for the BCS site​
    • Develop viable model(s), along with pros and cons of each alternative​
       
  • Site Design, Architecture & Engineering​
    • Familiarize this working group to existing conditions and work previously completed​
    • Identify facility improvements necessary to accommodate the viable model(s) developed by the Operations & Programing Focused Working Group 
       
  • Fundraising & Partnerships​
    • Identify potential private and public funding and partnership opportunities to support capital improvements and ongoing operations and programming​
    • Develop recommendations of funding and partnership strategies, along with the pros and cons of each strategy, based on operations/programming model(s) and improvements at the site recommended by the Operations & Programming and Site Design, Architecture & Engineering Focused Working Groups

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Site Map

Image
Existing Site Conditions aerial map of Bear Creek Stables
Click to enlarge

 

 

Bear Creek Stables Ad Hoc Committee and Focused Working Group Meeting Schedule

(Please be sure to check back often as the schedule is subject to change)

MeetingFocus TopicTentative Schedule
Ad Hoc Committee #1Ad Hoc FormationJune 4, 2024
Ad Hoc Committee #2

Ad Hoc Committee - Public Participation Kickoff

(Agenda, Meeting Recording)

June 11, 2024
Operations & Programming FWGKickoff MeetingWeek of June 17
Site Design, Architecture & Engineering FWGKickoff MeetingMid-June to early July
Fundraising & Partnership FWGKickoff MeetingWeek of June 17
All FWGsIndependent work timeMid-June to early August
Ad Hoc Committee #3Operations & Programming OptionsEarly August 2024
All FWGsIndependent work timeEarly August to early September
Ad Hoc Committee #4Site Design, Architecture & Engineering AlternativesEarly September 2024
All FWGsIndependent work timeEarly to Late September
Ad Hoc Committee #5Fundraising & Partnership OpportunitiesLate September
All FWGsIndependent work timeLate September to mid-October 
Ad Hoc Committee #6Compile viable options for full board reviewMid-October 
Board MeetingReview of additional potential optionsNovember 2024