The Dunmore Equestrian Society is hoping to initially opening their indoor riding arena by the end of April, with a number of construction items to continue to be able to utilize the building this fall.

By Jesse Gill

$2.5M indoor riding arena in Dunmore expected to initially open its doors this spring

Feb 6, 2024 | 5:24 PM

The Dunmore Equestrian Society is hoping to have their $2.5 million facility intially open its doors by the end of April.

At that time the building shell is expected to be completed after construction of the facility started in January.

The hope is the 140 ft by 275 ft indoor riding arena will be mostly functioning in the summer and fully-utilized this fall.

The group is looking to secure more funding from sponsorship, selling naming rights to the buildings, and other fundraising efforts to help get construction finalized.

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The additional funding will be required to complete the electrical, HVAC, water, washrooms, bleachers, announcer’s booth, offices and other construction costs.

President Kelly Creasy said they are excited for the project and what it will do for the Cypress County and Medicine Hat area.

“We’ll need support from the community and we’ll have to put on events and have renter’s using the facility,” Creasy said.

“The way things are shaping up right now. There’s a lot of interest and lots of excitement,” he added.

“I expect the building will be very busy once it opens.”

So far about $2 million has been raised for the project, which included donations, provincial grants and fundraising efforts.

The enclosed climate controlled building will provided year-round opportunities for the Dunmore Equestrian Society.

The indoor riding area will be adjacent to the outdoor arena, which is busy during the summer months hosting a variety of events.

Creasy said that once construction is completed event booking at the indoor arena will begin.

“We’re setting up a legacy fund that will hopefully fund future operations and capital,” Creasy said.

“Income from the building will be the biggest part of keeping the facility functioning.”

Future expansion on the site will include a community cultural centre and an event stable.

Plans for that undertaking won’t begin until after the indoor arena is completed.