The World Equestrian Center sports complex and a luxury residential community in Ocala is expected to open in 2019 on the condition it meets Marion County Commission’s requirements.
The 3,145 acre-complex is being built adjacent to Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, located at 8300 NW 31st Lane Road, according to Marion County records. It will feature a 3-acre outdoor stadium, 17 outdoor arenas, four climate-controlled arenas and 1,500 horse stalls. There will also be educational areas and riding trails on the property, according to a Golden Ocala Club press release.
In addition to the sports complex, Golden Ocala and World Equestrian Center, an equestrian venue located in Wilmington, Ohio, are developing a residential community called Equestrian Estates, a hotel with 18,000 square feet of retail space and a space for 200 RVs, according to the press release.
Marion County Commission unanimously issued a conditional approval on the ongoing construction Oct. 17 and required the applicant to submit more documents.
Ocala resident and one of the UF Equestrian Club coaches Ashley Johnson, 41, thinks the new venue will attract more types of horse riding in Ocala.
“I think that the facility is going to be absolutely beautiful,” Johnson said.
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