SnoCo Horse Owners Needed For Survey

From Snohomish County Parks:Snohomish County Parks, Recreation & Tourism is seeking public input on equestrian needs to support horse recreation in county parks and on trails. The Parks, Recreation and Tourism department asks all interested horse owners and riders to fill out a brief two minute survey, “Horses Count,” online byJuly 31, 2018 to describe needs and interests. The survey launched in May and will help guide planning of how and where to better serve the equestrian community in county parks.

Equestrian needs can vary greatly from styles of ridership, types of trail surfaces, facility needs, camping options, and more. The survey will also help determine the number of horses in the county and where they reside.

“The survey is intended to give us a better understanding of equestrian needs and where those interests are located as we plan out the next several years,” said Sharon Swan, Snohomish County Principal Park Planner. “Horse-based recreation is important in our County. We want to better serve the horse community and would like public participation in identifying what the biggest needs are.”

The Park and Recreation Element of Snohomish County’s Comprehensive Plan identifies equestrian recreation as a priority as well as improvements to county parks for horse use. Currently horses can use Lord Hill, Paradise Valley Conservation Area, Centennial Trail, the Evergreen State Fairgrounds, and parts of Whitehorse Trail.

“I am thrilled at the response to the Horses Count survey,” said Catherine Collins, Snohomish County Parks Advisory Board Member and ambassador of “Horses Count.” “We are seeing tremendous public engagement so far already, and we look forward to much more in the coming months.”

Contribute your equestrian voice on the Horses Count survey HERE.

Image Via Snohomish Country Parks