Loss Of Park Stables Upsets Horse Owners

Horse owners at Shawnee Mission Park said losing a stable may cost them their animals.

The Johnson County Park Board said the horses can stay, it's just the stable that's closing.

KMBC's Bev Chapman reported that the Oak Ridge Stables have been a part of the park for 21 years.

But parks board members said it's time for a change.

Leslie Janasz, who keeps two horses at the stables, said it's the worst possible news she could hear.

She said people pay about $160 a month to board a horse at the stables.

Last summer, the park board voted to divide the property into trails and wildflower gardens. The Mack home that came with the farm will be a place for receptions and events.

And there will no longer be horses boarded on the 360-acre tract of land.

"If we could have 110 acres, stay out of the public's way, stay on the trails designated for horses," Janasz said. "Nobody wants to get rid of them. Everyone has the same concern -- where do we go?"

Janasz said there's room for all the animals and the people to continue to use the park.

Johnson County paid $2.3 million for the farm 21 years ago, and parks board members said it's time to improve the pastures for everyone.

"Begin development of the property that would open it up for all users," said Michael Meadors with Johnson County Parks.

"It's very upsetting. We just don't know what to do. We just feel like the park is big enough for everybody's interest to share," Janasz said.

Horse owners are circulating petitions in an effort to change the park board's mind. If it doesn't work, the animals will have to move by next spring.

The park's new design includes a place where horse trailers can unload and horse trails will remain in the park.

Horse owners will meet on Saturday to decide what to do next.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• KMBC
• Shawnee
• Mission
• Kansas
• park
• horses
• stables
• closing