THE PROJECT
MILESTONES
- The Foundation raised more than $500,000 from individual donors.
- The voters of Alpharetta passed a bond proposal funding various parks improvements, including $5 million dedicated to Wills Park Equestrian Center.
- The City of Alpharetta and the Foundation began construction on the new competition ring, a full funded $1.3 million project.
- Foundation raised initial $250,000 to match the city’s contribution.
- Memorandum of Understanding signed, that details the partnership between the Foundation and the City of Alpharetta.
- Stormwater study completed.
- City of Alpharetta approved site plan.
- City of Alpharetta agreed to match the Foundation’s future fundraising, dollar for dollar.
- City of Alpharetta repainted the covered arena, the concession area and the restrooms.
- Wills Park is surveyed and stormwater study started.
- The Foundation upgraded all lighting and reconstructed the walls in the covered arena.
- Maintenance shed was demolished, clearing the way for new construction.
- Wills Park Equestrian Foundation awarded 501(c)(3) status.
- City of Alpharetta committed $250,000 as matching funds to the Foundation to begin the revitalization of Wills Park.
- City of Alpharetta laser graded all of the rings.
- Development of multiple options for equestrian center’s site plan.
- First of a series of meetings involving citizen input to create the Wills Park Master Plan.
- Establishment of the Equestrian Advisory Committee to work with city leaders in regards to Wills Park Equestrian Center.
- Wills Park Equestrian Foundation established.
- Expansion of the upper schooling ring and electrical upgrades in some barns, both funded privately.
- Discussions held with the City of Alpharetta on the economic impact of the equestrian center to show the future viability of the facility.