More than one year ago, a group of volunteers representing the Equine Advisory Board at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, launched an expansion project with hopes of creating a more aesthetic and safer outdoor parking and riding area at the Ellsworth Equestrian Center. College officials say a drive-by of the equine facility today will reveal the work that has already been completed. Last year, many individuals conducted a massive cleanup effort removing abandoned vehicles, rock piles, debris, and used fencing materials. Steel panels and corrals were repurposed, stacked, or sold, and the used bedding pile was relocated.
In the spring, the entire area was mowed and weeds sprayed in preparation for the fencing crew. Summer brought the most noticeable project development when over 3-thousand feet of high visibility, high tensile perimeter fence was installed to enhance safety of livestock and local traffic. This fall, stage 2 of the project plan was initiated with the leveling and shaping of the arena floor and surface water drainage with topsoil added for the proposed grass seeding area. More work is planned, and this Saturday and Sunday, the project committee will be hosting an expansive open horse show with enriched fundraising activities. There is no admission for spectators
