By Kevin Hanson
The Courier-Herald
The public has spoken, and now a decision regarding Enumclaw's future rests with members of the City Council.
During a public hearing last week, citizens took the opportunity to step before the council and offer their opinion of an ambitious plan that would, if implemented, position Enumclaw as the equestrian center of the Pacific Northwest. At stake is a proposal that spells out how the city might do everything from changing downtown business signs to reconfiguring the King County Fairgrounds into perhaps the top-notch equestrian center in the region.
If members of the council considered nothing but public testimony, their decision would be simple. During the Feb. 13 public hearing, 13 citizens offered their input and 11 spoke in favor of the equestrian plan. During a Jan. 23 hearing, nearly 30 took to the microphone and none clearly opposed the plan, although a few had concerns.
Armed now with the complete report from Destination Development, the Olympia-based consulting firm that drafted Enumclaw tourism and marketing plan, and two hearings' worth of public comments, the council must act. The group's first decision was to refer the matter to a subcommittee, Community and Economic Development, for further review. It was made clear that other council committees, such as Finance, could also get involved.
And it was also emphasized that the public could have further opportunities to speak on the subject.
While many are jumping on the equestrian bandwagon, Paul Heard voiced some concerns. He lives across from the fairgrounds and wondered what the potential impacts might be on current residents when it comes to traffic congestion and noise. He also pointed to other equestrian arenas in the region that now sit empty, cautioning that Enumclaw would not want to suffer the same fate.
Jan Malinaro also wondered about the city's financial liability, expressing a concern over long-term impacts should the fairgrounds be developed, and then fail.
Most, however, urged the city to jump at the opportunity.
Enumclaw businesswoman Adella King reminded the council that other tourism plans have been drafted, only to gather dust. She said it is “absolutely necessary” that the city act this time around, because the equestrian-based plan “is a good fit for Enumclaw.”
Andrea Brown, who works in the equine industry, said people in the horse community are ready and willing to come to Enumclaw, if only a first-rate facility were available.
Last week's audience also held a 4-H contingent, who touted the benefits of making equestrian opportunities available to youngsters.
The plan culled together by Destination Development acknowledged that Enumclaw has many attractive offerings - most of which involve natural resources - but added that's not enough to draw tourists and their dollars. To set the city apart and position itself for long-term financial health, the consultant said Enumclaw needs something to set it apart.
The answer was an equestrian theme that would include everything from rail fencing along entrances to the city to user-friendly directional signs throughout the community, pointing the way to nearby attractions. And at the heart of the plan was the suggestion the city acquire the fairgrounds from the county and turn it into a heaven for the horse community, complete with arenas and space for private businesses that cater to the needs of the equestrian crowd.
The entire plan totals many millions of dollars and no one has suggested Enumclaw could afford such a plan. It has been wondered, though, if public-private partnerships exist that could move things forward.
Those types of questions now rest with the council. The city has made no announcement as to when a decision on the tourism proposal is expected.
