SCPG & SVCA Send Letter to CV Mayor McCann in Opposition of Horse Arena Removal

Recently, the following letter was send to City of Chula Vista Mayor John McCann:

December 12, 2025

The Honorable John McCann

Mayor of Chula Vista

276 Fourth Avenue

Chula Vista, CA 91910

Re: Support Letter for Horse Arena in Rohr Park Master Plan

Dear Mayor McCann:

I am writing on behalf of the Bonita, Sunnyside, Chula Vista, and surrounding communities to express our concern with the removal or relocation of the long-standing equestrian arena located in Rohr Park and to ask for your support. The arena has been a vital part of the horse community since the 1960’s, providing local horse owners (mostly with horses in their backyards) a safe and easily accessible place to exercise and train their horses. The staging area also provides a desirable location for other equestrians visiting Bonita, as well as an evacuation location in the event of an emergency. There are no other public arenas in this community and the loss of the only one would have a significant impact.

We understand that other groups have expressed interest in converting this area into additional soccer and softball fields. While we respect the needs of every recreational group, we believe the current feedback process was not a true representation of the equestrian community’s perspective. The feedback we have received indicates many did not receive notification of the planning meetings. Additionally, the arena remained part of the park plan until the most recent meeting on November 20th.

The arena plays a vital role in our community’s recreational diversity, heritage, and identity. Our equestrian culture contributes significantly to local community, youth development, volunteer engagement, and park stewardship.

We request that the City of Chula Vista consider the following:

1. Include dedicated outreach to equestrians before making any final decisions; ensuring their voices are incorporated into the planning process. The majority of attendees at the workshop were in favor of keeping the arena and preserving our uniquely historical horse community.

2. We ask that alternative solutions are explored to accommodate additional sports facilities without eliminating the only equestrian arena available to residents.

3. Consider the long-term balance and diversity of recreational opportunities in our community. Our youth ride in the arena, attend horse shows, participate in local horse-related events, and are involved in the equine therapy. The elimination of the arena will no longer allow these activities.

We appreciate your consideration of our community members. We hope you will support a planning outcome that respects and supports the community and preserves this valuable part of our heritage.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to participating

constructively in the ongoing discussions.

Respectfully,

Felix M. Felix

Mr. Felix is Chair of the Sweetwater Community Planning Group and President of the Sweetwater Valley Civic Association. The letter was sent twice, each on the proper letterhead and signed by Felix Felix with the appropriate titles.

Copies were sent to:

1. Mayor John McCann

2. Deputy Mayor (District 1 Council Member) Carolina Chavez

3. District 2 Council Member Jose Preciado

4. District 3 Council Member Michael Inzunza

5. District 4 Council Member Cesar Fernandez

6. City Manager Tiffany Allen

7. Deputy City Manager Courtney Chase

8. Parks and Rec. Director Frank Carson 

9. Parks and Rec. Commission Members

By Felix M. Felix | December 12, 2025 |Sweetwater Community Planning Group | Sweetwater Valley Civic Association

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