It stands in the shadow of the old dairy barn at Lorton Reformatory, but the newly completed Laurel Hill Equestrian Center holds nothing but promise for a bright future. The ring and parking are the first phase of a new facility that will serve equestrians beginning on Saturday, April 26, 2014 when official ribbon cutting ceremonies take place at 10 a.m. The facility is owned by the Fairfax County
Park Authority. However, the project was completed in partnership with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Authority Board, the Fairfax County Park Foundation Board, and Fairfax4Horses. The project cost $907,000 to complete and included the demolition of two barn structures, archeological field work, access road improvements, a gravel parking lot, equestrian riding arena, storm water management pond and related site work. This project was unique because of its location within the boundaries of a National Register of Historic Places district. This triggered a requirement for a detailed archeological study to be undertaken before construction could occur. Plans for the project had to be reviewed by the Architectural Review Board and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. All the dairy-related buildings west of the entrance road, other than the silo, have been demolished. The former milking facility located outside the historic district will be demolished and removed during Phase II work. The two silos east of the road will remain. For more information contact the Public Information Office at 703-324-8662. Directions from Ox Road/Route 123 S: Turn left on Lorton Road bear right on Furnace Road. Look for the silos at the old prison dairy. The Plan:
Planning began several years ago for an equestrian facility at the former Lorton Prison site presently owned by the Fairfax County Park Authority. With its scenic vistas, access to trails, and history of agriculture and animal husbandry, Laurel Hill Park offers the perfect location for an Equestrian Center. The facility will be developed where the old Prison Dairy was located. The Laurel Hill Equestrian Center will be the first full-service public riding facility on parkland in Fairfax County. This unique and beautiful Center will not only benefit local equestrian groups and riding events, it will provide accessible and affordable access to horses for all county residents interested in learning to ride. The plan is divided into three phases that will begin with the construction of a public riding arena with room for horse trailer parking. The first phase is scheduled to start during the winter of 2010-2011. The conceptual plans for the Laurel Hill Equestrian Center include a 60-stall barn for lesson horses. The barn will be attached to a large indoor arena to accommodate lessons and activities year-round. In addition, long-range goals for the Center include outdoor arenas, a round pen, turn-out paddocks, fenced fields, and trails. P.O.Box 183 Clifton, VA 20124 cliftonhorsesociety.org
