(Photo By: Randi Hauser)
Spring has sprung in Norco as Silverlakes comes back to life after a long and fallow rest.

By K.P. Sander

Norco – Think back to a year ago, when the Silverlakes Equestrian Center hit another barricade on a long and bumpy road.  Since the project began construction in 2007, it seems like one thing after another has prevented the 122-acre recreational facility from being completed.  The story – from financing issues to mistrust and lawsuits – has had a lot of drama.

On Thurs., Mar. 5, Eastvale’s Mayor Ike Bootsma announced that the project was a go.  “Funding is secured; bonds have been sold; and construction is going to start next week,” he said.  “Tournaments are scheduled to begin in September.”

As construction began once again on the barren field the week of March 9, interest has been renewed on the sports park that will ultimately contain an equestrian center capable of stabling and hosting world-class (possibly Olympic) events, 25 soccer fields, a 5,000-seat indoor stadium, an outdoor arena and event center, picnic areas, and more.  This beautiful sports mega-center could also bring in over $35 million to the City of Norco, and attract over a half million visitors…a boon for Norco, and Eastvale as well.

Steve King, Planning Director for the City of Norco, said that the project has definitely been approved.  “Synthetic and natural grass fields will be the first phase, along with some sand equine arenas,” he said.

The sports fields will be finished for use this year, and then other phases will commence construction thereafter.

Balboa Management Group, which has been at the helm (albeit on and off again) of construction for more than seven years, has secured $20 million in financing, according to the City of Eastvale.

Despite the ups and downs of Silverlakes, it’s not difficult to become re-enamored with anticipation over what is to come.  Citizens throughout Eastvale and Norco – and far beyond – will enjoy watching the construction process and look forward to enjoying the first fruits of the park come September.

As Eastvale’s Interim City Manager, Michele Nissen puts it, “Norco’s Silverlakes project has been a long-time coming, and we are happy to see the project start moving forward again.  Once this project is complete – assuming it is built out as planned – the regional benefits will be tremendous.  Invariably, there will be temporary construction inconveniences to Norco and Eastvale citizens, which go hand in hand with a project of this scope and magnitude.  This is a very exciting development that is poised to positively impact the trajectory of both cities.”

Well said.  This is definitely a project, that when completed, will place our communities in a more prominent place on the map.