Proposed Removal of Rohr Park Arena a Tragedy
- Susan Heavilin
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
I've heard it said many times that "Bonita, California was once the horse capital of the United States" . . . with more horses per capita than humans. In the 1950s, Bonita still had large parcels of land where the homeowners kept horses. Most everyone had a horse in those days . . . or so it seemed.
The history of horses in Bonita began with the Spanish and Mexican rancho period and continues today through its equestrian community and extensive trail system. People come from miles around to ride the trails of Bonita. The rural character of the Sweetwater Valley, coupled with the efforts of residents, preserved equestrianism in the face of urban development. As of 2020, three stables were still operating in the valley, and horses are a common sight on the trails.
The local equestrian community was formally organized with the founding of the Bonita Valley Horsemen (BVH) in 1969. The group was founded by 25 families and has been instrumental in developing and maintaining the network of local horse trails. Mary Augustine established many of the trails here in San Diego County and the SR-125 bridge crossing is dedicated to her.
One of the many trails travels around the Chula Vista Golf Course and Rohr Park.
You'll notice on the current map of Rohr Park shown above, item #12 is an equestrian arena. Bonita's large parcels of land have been transformed into housing developments and most riders don't have the luxury of a training arena in their backyard.
That said, it is near impossible to train a horse or work on gaits effectively on a trail. You need the flat ground and confinement of an arena. Many Bonita equestrians rely on the Rohr Arena to train their horses. The Bonita Saddle Club—a Non-profit Youth Organization—uses the arena for their horse shows. It has been a staple of Bonita equestrianism since the beginning of Rohr Park.
The latest Rohr Park Master Plan was released just an hour or two after the time period allowed for the community to vote on it. The plan (shown above) could not have been designed in just a few hours leaving me to come to the only conclusion that I can . . .the "voting" was a facade. Park Director Frank Carson had already made up his mind and the arena vanished "poof!" into thin air.
The new Master Plan includes the following amenities:
Splash Pad $$$
Archery Range
Amphitheater $$$
Nature Play Area
Skate Park + Mini Pump Track $$$
Additional trees
Naturalized Drainage Channel
Enhanced River Corridor
Pickball + Tennis Courts $$
Enhanced Ponds
Soccer Fields with Lights
ADA Trail $$
Live Steamers Upgrades
Clubhouse + Shop Renovation $$$
Covered Connection Path over Golf Course $$$
Rohr Manor Inspired Recreation Center $$$$
Maintenance Yard Relocation
Resized Softball Fields
Really? They're going to secure enough Grant money to build all these expensive items?
I don't believe that is possible. But I'm almost sure they'll be able to collect funds to build soccer fields with lights because that's a pretty low cost item. And where would you image those soccer fields are proposed to be located? Bingo . . . smack dab in the middle of the equestrian arena.
So I believe they have been disingenuous all along. Play along with the people and make them believe that you are listening to them. Then do whatever your little cold heart desires.
I feel that their intention is to replace the arena with soccer fields and then it doesn't matter if no money is left for all the grandiose amenities. They enticed the community with bait-and-switch deceptions while hiding the truth about a land grab. Not only does the community not get promised goods, but they lose their beloved arena.
Have questions? Chula Vista Parks and Recreation Director Frank Carson should have all the answers you need. He can be reached at 619.585.5618 or fcarson@chulavistaca.gov
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