New managers for Desert Park?

Following two years of planning, review and a comprehensive public and stakeholder consultation process, the effort to revitalize Desert Park Race Track in Osoyoos is moving forward.
Mayor John Slater and council announced Friday that Rocky Mountain Turf Club has been chosen as the successful respondent to the September 2005 Request for Proposal (RFP) to operate, manage, maintain and develop Desert park Race Track and its associated facilities.
Originally established in the 1950s by local equestrian families, who joined to form the Blue Sage Riders, Desert Park Race Track has been an important part of the town's recreation mix. However, in the past few years, it became increasingly difficult to find organizations and individuals who could make the necessary investment to manage, upgrade and maintain the aging facilities.
Through discussion with users and the general public, it became clear that the involvement of a private operator would be required to insure cost effective and beneficial services continue. As part of the RFP, the Town of Osoyoos insisted that certain access and use be maintained, including:rn- protection of the sports field for community recreation and events;rn- continued use for the local equestrian community;rn- protection of the oval race track;rn- protection of the green space and antelope brush;rn- continuation of the spray irrigation system;rn- protection of the needs of the Portuguese Club;rn- retention or relocation of the squash courts.
The club has proposed a two-phased plan which would result in some immediate upgrades to the existing facility in the short term, including the return of live horse racing, new food and beverage services and special events.
In order to make the project financially sustainable, their proposal also calls for the introduction of between 75 and 100 slot machines and simulcast wagering. Council has made it clear that the issue of gaming would require input from the community in the form of a referendum.
Max Gibb, President and CEO of the Rocky Mountain Turf Club, is excited about the challenging opportunity in Osoyoos.
We at Rocky Mountain Turf Club are very enthusiastic about the possibilities in Osoyoos and would like the chance to once again make Desert Park a viable, energetic part of the community's recreational and leisure activities, said Gibb.
We are well aware of the long road ahead, and are committed to working with the community to make this happen and create a new sense of pride in the gem you have here called Desert Park.rnIt is expected that a formal agreement in principal will be signed between the Town of Osoyoos and Rocky Mountain Club shortly. This will set the stage to begin the process of negotiations, public presentations, open houses and further discussions regarding the components.
Max Gibb is, at heart, a horseman. When you see the projects he has developed you can appreciate that he and his team have a great track record. We are only at the start, but we will now have the opportunity to make Desert Park a vital, active and successful asset that both residents and visitors can enjoy all year round. Slater said.
Council's excited about the proposal. We have been dealing with issues relating to Desert Park over the last two years and we feel the proposal put forward addresses all users' concerns.rnSlater went on to say that the question now is how expanded gaming will be accepted in the community. Although there is no legal obligation to go to a referendum on the issue of gaming, morally we feel we need to bring this issue to the public for their input, Slater explained. He added council would be looking at the referendum this spring, after consultation with the province to determine the legality of the gaming aspect.
Councillor Allan Carswell, who has been vocal and consistent in preserving Desert Park, even helping to establish the Friends of Desert Park Society two years ago, said it would be exciting to see Desert Park return to its equestrian roots and former glory.
I think the proposal is a good starting point. It protects the important components of the Desert Park facility for the community, said Carswell. He added that it is early in the process, and the town would be looking for a lot of public input.
Richard Tessier, President of the Osoyoos Park Society, an offshoot of Friends of Desert Park, said he was thrilled to learn of the proposal.
This is a positive step forward for everybody. The limited use and lack of sustainable fees by some users has left the facility in shameful condition, as the town transferred funds and opportunities away from the park, said Tessier. He added the society is willing to work with Gibb or with anyone wishing to manage and improve the facilities at Desert Park.