Thank you, Ocala Jockey Club, for pointing out how Double Gate ATV Park does not fit within the appropriate uses for property in the Farmland Preservation Area.

Ocala Jockey Club
8720 W. Highway 318
Reddick, FL 32686
www.OcalaJC.com

May 28, 2020

To Whom It May Concern:

The Ocala Jockey Club strongly opposes the proposed plans by Double Gate ATV Racetrack and Recreation to create an ATV track, trails, RV park and other amenities as part of their Special Use Permit application. We support Horse Farms Forever in their mission to protect the designated Farmland Preservation Area. The subject property, and our farm are located within the Farmland Preservation Area. We are a 954-acre horse farm and residential community located 0.75 miles from the subject property.

We believe that preserving the integrity of horse farmland is an important value for Ocala’s standing in the world as the “Horse Capital of the World”. Even in the face of the allure of short-term economic gain for one property, this is a poor tradeoff to allow at the expense of its neighbors and the overall character of the Farmland Preservation Area. Once the character of the land is lost, it is next to impossible to get it back. This dynamics has played out in other locations in the world, and it is up to the wisdom of those in charge of land use approvals to protect Marion County’s special character for generations to come.

When my husband and I searched for respite from the bustle of New York City over fourteen years ago, we first visited the Wellington area. We were impressed with the quality of equine facilities there but it felt cramped, luxurious but missing farmland character. After making the drive from there to Marion County, there was no comparison between Ocala’s equine paradise where horses could still roam free in vast quiet pastures among beautiful old growth oak trees. The county boasts an equine paradise, and it deserves to be preserved.

The Ocala Jockey Club created the Ocala Jockey Club International 3-Day Event starting in 2016 and it has quickly grown into an event beloved by top eventing riders, earning the honors to host the 2020 and 2021 CCl4*-L National Championships and to function as the only Olympic Games qualifying 3-Day eventing competition in the Southeast. It has provided up to $1 million annually in economic impact to Marion County, and sure to grow beyond that number in future years. My husband and I were very cognizant from the start to honor the existing land and its contours, even choosing a grass competition arena rather than all-weather footing typically used in horse show venues. This Event was to showcase the unique features of our farm and our County, and to help visitors appreciate the unique beauty and features of Marion County. We feel strongly about maintaining the horse farm character during our ownership and into the future, respecting the unique and special feel of the County. Our farm does not allow motorcycles on our farm due to noise and potential of horses spooking. The proposed ATV track would be just 0.75 miles from our farm. The resulting noise and traffic due to visitors would be detrimental to horse farm activities and interfere with the quiet intention of the Farmland Preservation Area and its horses, human residents and abundant wildlife.

We respectfully request the request for the Special Use Permit and Comprehensive Plan amendment be denied.

Thank you,

Pavla Nygaard
President and Owner, Ocala Jockey Club