STRIDES AHEAD

GOAL TO SECURE $5 MILLION IN PLEDGES

I am delighted to “lead the charge” for this capital campaign to revitalize the Wills Park Equestrian Center. This beloved horse show facility has given so much to the citizens and equestrians of Alpharetta for many, many decades. It’s time now for us to give back, to invest to upgrade this facility’s aging infrastructure.

I’ve seen the tremendous impact of the equestrian sports first-hand. My daughter, Wyette, started riding at age 11. Through riding, her confidence blossomed; she found joy with her horses and success at school. She formed deep and long-lasting friendships with fellow riders and plans to continue riding and competing while in college. This experience is shared by thousands of young people at Wills Park Equestrian Center.

The equestrian sports give so much, to so many. Won’t you help us secure the future for generations of young people to come?

The revitalization of Wills Park Equestrian Center is a multi-year journey,
but a journey that is well on its way.

In 2021, the citizens and elected officials of Alpharetta further recognized the value of the Equestrian Center and approved a large bond proposal that committed $5 million specifically for its revitalization. That year, the Wills Park Equestrian Foundation also completed its first round of $500,000 in fundraising. These monies, matched by the City, totaled more than $1 million and have fully funded Phase One: the construction of a new 150’ x 340’ competition ring, including a schooling ring. Phase One is scheduled for completion in Spring 2022.

We are now ready to move forward to Phase Two of this exciting project! The goal of the Strides Ahead Campaign is to raise $5 million from private and corporate donors to enable us to complete the revitalization of Wills Park Equestrian Center over the next four years. We anticipate that many donors will take advantage of staging their contributions over a multi-year timeline.

This capital campaign is led by Jeff Felton, CEO of Vereco Healthcare Solutions and an early member of the Foundation board. Jeff is supported by a campaign cabinet of individuals who are passionate about Wills Park Equestrian Center and committed to seeing the facility completely revitalized. That includes major work to renovate the existing rings and the Covered Arena, working with Longwood Arenas, the arena contractor responsible for Bruce’s Field in Aiken, SC. It also includes building new barns, adding spectator seating and enhancing the horse show experience for exhibitors and spectators alike.

For more information, please contact Jeff Felton, campaign director for the Strides Ahead Campaign. 415-713-7634 or jefffelton85@gmail.com.