Indoor Riding Arena

When completed, this project will not only help prolong the life of the arena and reduce future maintenance but also bring the building up to code for public use for proposed activities such as horse shows, exhibitions, riding clinics and classes, therapeutic riding programs, plant sales, indoor archery events, and meetings and receptions.

Proposed improvements include upgrades to the HVAC, electrical, and lighting systems, the installation of fire alarms and sprinklers, and modifications to doors, windows and skylights. They also include the construction of an addition with restrooms, a reception area, and multipurpose room with counters and cabinets. Exterior work will accommodate access for emergency services and modifications to the existing trail and paving to better use the open space around the indoor arena. The project will also address any stabilization or other issues that were identified in a pre-design assessment.

St. James Farm Forest Preserve is currently on well and septic, but the Forest Preserve District is working with an engineering firm on a separate project to bring city sewer and water to the site, which the District will connect at the indoor riding arena.