September 17, 2024
UPDATE – September 17, 2024
Palatine Park District staff, especially those who care for horses in the Palatine Stables, are deeply saddened by the passing of Windy, a horse previously housed at the stables. The 32-year-old geriatric horse passed Monday at a horse and pony sanctuary, where she lived for more than two weeks at the request of her adoptive owners. Windy lived beyond the life expectancy of domestic horses, which is 25-30 years old.
The park district extends condolences to all who knew and loved Windy.
On July 29, staff from Fox Valley Equine examined Windy. They diagnosed her with dropped fetlocks, a chronic degenerative condition in which the joints above her hooves begin to sink closer to the ground. This condition is common as horses age, particularly those who outlive the typical life span. Given her condition and her advanced age, finding a home that could provide the specialized care needed for a geriatric horse was important.
Windy and her daughter, Misty, were re-adopted by their original owner, who arranged for their relocation to the sanctuary. The horses were transported to their new home on August 30. To help support Windy’s and Misty’s continued care, the Park District donated $2,000 to the sanctuary.
We are confident that Windy received excellent care in her retirement at the sanctuary. Windy spent her days with Misty and new friends, free to roam in grassy fields under the sun’s warmth.
UPDATE – September 9, 2024
Palatine Park District Board of Commissioners statement read by Board President Terry Ruff at its Monday, September 9 meeting:
Good evening and thank you for attending tonight’s Board meeting. We believe an engaged community strengthens the Park District’s mission, work and services.
At every meeting, we set aside 30 minutes for public comment. We extended this time at our last several meetings to hear more from our residents regarding the Palatine Stables. Tonight, with a full agenda, we will return to the original 30 minutes, with each speaker allotted three minutes. We ask everyone to respect this time limit so as many voices as possible can be heard. Public comment is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and for the Board to listen and take notes; therefore, we will not be responding to individual comments this evening.
I want to provide a brief update on the activities at Palatine Stables. We deny all allegations of abuse. These claims are unfounded and only harm our dedicated staff, volunteers and partnering sanctuaries, all of whom are working diligently to ensure a smooth transition for the horses.
The decision to close the Stables was not made lightly; it was driven by our duty to ensure the safety of our staff and volunteers and the well-being of the horses. Two independent engineering studies revealed significant structural deficiencies, making it unsafe for horses, visitors, and staff.
Some horses have already moved to new homes and are thriving; for example, one mother-daughter pair is now at a local sanctuary, receiving the highest quality care and attention as they start their retirement. All horses and ponies will receive full medical exams, necessary treatments, new turnout blankets and safe transport.
Our focus now turns to the future use of the Stables land, which will remain part of the Palatine Park District. Next year, we will begin our 2025 Comprehensive Master Planning process, which will shape the next decade of programs. More information about future sessions will be forthcoming.
UPDATE – August 8, 2024
The Palatine Park District Board of Commissioners has reviewed the Palatine Stables Structural Condition Assessment Supplemental Report, received on Friday, July 26. The report highlights that 48% of the Lower Barn columns and 55% of the Upper Barn columns are showing varying degrees of deterioration.
This assessment confirms the structural issues identified in the initial survey. Consequently, the Park Board’s decision to close the stables on May 13, and its subsequent ratification on July 8, remains in effect. The stables will cease operations on November 30, 2024.
We acknowledge that the upcoming months will be challenging for the stables community and staff. Efforts are underway to relocate the school’s horses and ponies to new homes. District administrative and stables staff are working closely together to rehome all school horses and ponies to ensure the animals receive the best possible care. The welfare of the animals continues to be our top priority.
Feedback from stables staff and patrons has been taken into consideration leading to adjustments in the service timeline. Based on feedback from stable patrons during board meetings, the timeline for closing activities and lessons was adjusted to allow for completion of the show season. Group lessons for advanced level and show team students will continue until the NIHJA Final Horse Show, which is scheduled for September 26 – 29. The Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) riding program will conclude October 28. Lessons for boarders/lessees and all leasing agreements conclude on October 31. From November 1 through November 29, the stables will only be open for boarders to exercise their horses.
UPDATE – August 2, 2024
Click here to read the Palatine Stables Closure Additional FAQ
UPDATE – July 26, 2024
The Structural Condition Assessment Supplemental Report was received today. Please click here to view.
UPDATE – July 9, 2024
The Palatine Park District and the Board of Park Commissioners would like to provide a brief update on the status of the Palatine Stables following last night’s meeting. As many of you know, the Park Board voted to ratify and approve its May 13, 2024, decision to close the Stables effective November 30, 2024. While many of you are disappointed with this outcome, the Park Board would like to stress that last night’s vote was a procedural vote necessitated by a lawsuit recently filed against the Park District. While the Park Board regrets the confusion this vote may have caused, the Park Board prefers to focus its time, attention, and resources on the discussion surrounding the Stables themselves, and not on needless litigation.
From the Park District’s perspective, nothing about last night’s vote changes where things stood a week ago. In response to public feedback following the May 13th vote, the Park District engaged an independent, outside consultant to perform a more detailed structural analysis of the Stables. That work is underway, and the Park District expects to have a copy of the report in the next few weeks, at which time it will be posted on the Park District’s website for the public.
To be absolutely clear, the Park District remains committed to seeing this additional structural analysis through to its conclusion, and all additional steps taken in connection with the Stables will be guided and informed by the contents of the report. The Park Board understands and appreciates the support shown by the Stables community and asks for continued patience as we await the results of structural report.
UPDATE – June 12, 2024
The Palatine Park District appreciates the public comments shared at the Board Meeting on Monday, June 10, 2024.
The Palatine Park District is expanding the initial review and is engaging Johnson, Wilbur, Adams (JWA) structural engineering firm to conduct a complete inspection of all 313 support posts, as recommended in the initial report.
To minimize disruption to stable participants, this inspection may take a few weeks to complete.
Once the inspection is completed, the report will be made available on our website – palatineparks.org.
Following the release of the report, the Board may set a meeting date to continue the discussion. During this period, the status of the Palatine Stables remains unchanged.
May 15, 2024
Sitting at the edge of Palatine, adjacent to Northwest Highway and Dundee Road, sits Palatine Stables. The property, built in the 1950’s, was privately owned until 1988 when it was acquired by Palatine Park District. Over the years, Palatine Stables has served both the novice rider as well as the horse owner. And while the memories of pony rides and show ribbons are recounted by many, the unfortunate reality is that expense of operations and fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers, have resulted in a decision to end programming at the end of the summer season. Boarding operations will continue through November.
The decision to close was not taken lightly, and stems from a comprehensive evaluation of the facility’s structural integrity. The District utilized a structural engineering firm to complete a thorough assessment of both arenas and horse pens that comprised the Palatine Stables. This examination revealed significant deterioration, particularly in the support posts of both the upper and lower arenas, as well as the horse pens. Subsequently, after the structural findings, the District collaborated with a construction management firm to conduct an in-depth tour of the premises. The ensuing evaluation highlighted the necessity for comprehensive repairs and enhancements to meet regulatory standards, estimated to exceed $2.6 million.
Considering the advanced age and condition of the facility, the Palatine Board of Commissioners were compelled to make the difficult decision to cease operations. The considerable financial investment required for the mandated renovations could not be reasonably justified. Access to the arenas and barns will be limited, with current summer programming and camps taking place in the outdoor paddocks. The well-being of the Palatine Stables staff and equines is a top priority for the District.
The District is diligently working with the two full time staff as well as part time staff and volunteers through this transition. Efforts are underway to secure new homes for the 36 district-owned horses and ponies. Additionally, the staff is assisting the 25 current boarders in finding alternative facilities where their horses can be relocated.
The current comprehensive master plan found that according to stakeholders, the 8.5-acre property was purchased more for the land than the operations themselves. As part of the District’s pro-active approach, plans are underway to gather community input by conducting a community needs assessment to devise a master plan for 2025. This process will actively solicit input from residents regarding the future redevelopment of the property. While saying goodbye to Palatine Stables is bittersweet, the District is optimistic about new recreational opportunities to serve our community.
We understand you may have additional questions. Here is our Stables FAQ.
