Rancho Mission Viejo OKs Lease for Riding Park, Soccer Venue
From Rancho Mission Viejo
Rancho Mission Viejo has agreed to continue for three years the operations of the Oaks/Blenheim/Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park. The announcement ends speculation that this popular 80-acre equestrian and soccer venue would cease operations at year's end.
Details of the extension agreement were not divulged.
The park, at the intersection of the Ortega Highway and La Pata Road and originally the dream of Joan Irvine Smith, was begun in 1995 by Mrs. Smith and the landowners. Subsequently, in 1998, Mrs. Smith and R.J. Brandes established Oaks Blenheim Exhibitions, LLC to continue managing and improving the site. Today, the venue is recognized as a "world class" equestrian center. Technically a license agreement, the current relationship with Rancho Mission Viejo ends December 31, 2008.
In September, a dispute between Mrs. Smith and Mr. Brandes was resolved. Presently, Oaks Blenheim Exhibitions will wind down and cease to exist. The three year extension will be another "license agreement" between "the Ranch" and a new entity to be established by Mr. Brandes.
"While ultimately planned for development, the riding park has become a world class venue not only for equestrian events but also for all levels of soccer competition. All of us at Ranch HQ's recognize what an important role the riding park enjoys in San Juan Capistrano's culture and are excited to help perpetuate its operation," shared Gil Aguirre, Rancho Mission Viejo's Executive Vice President - Ranch Operations.
The venue, the site of the annual August Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo, "the richest two day rodeo in America", will be renamed, "The Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park."
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As a local equistrain.
This is great news!!
The equestrian park is a very important part of our community. It brings in a tremendous amount of business and is a great recreation venue. The Oaks - " Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park"-is well known as a superb facility in the equestrian world. It is great that we will be able to utilize it for another three years and hopefuly longer.