Equestrian showplex proposed in Westfield Township

WESTFIELD TWP. — A climate-controlled "equestrian showplex" designed for horse shows and other agricultural events could be coming to Westfield Township. The idea was proposed to township trustees Thursday by new county resident Shawn Manvell, who said her goal is to create a Northeast Ohio epicenter for equestrian activity and avenue for young local riders to break into the industry. Manvell is looking at the roughly 110-acre Kratzer Farm property on Greenwich Road near U.S. Route 224 as a potential site should she receive a green light from Westfield. The former Deer Pass Golf Course property, 5886 Greenwich Road, was also discussed but sentiment seemed to leaned toward Kratzer. "I want this to be a regional facility where people come to for horse shows," she told trustees. "I do work with multiple horse shows, horse clubs and horse show producers. We just look at this area as horse enthusiasts and how we're traveling great distances to the closest facility that looks like this." She was referring to Wilmington's World Equestrian Center, roughly 200 miles away from Medina County. "This would primarily be for showing horses but there would be other uses," Manvell said. "This is also a place that would be open year round and be fully climate controlled for heat and cold." Other potential site attractions that were discussed included trail rides, RV shows and a free venue for certain 4-H club activities. "There could be pro bono horse shows and space for 4-H," Manvell said. "Kids could get experience putting together the shows themselves. I'd also like to take young riders to Columbus for guided tours and to speak with experts about getting accustomed to riding." While Manvell did say she'd like to purchase the property within six months of any township zoning approval, a project cost or timeline for construction was not discussed Thursday. She said activity at the site would mostly be confined to weekends and that no permanent camping would be allowed. Eight to 10 full-time staff members would be employed throughout the week but Manvell said as many as 25 workers could be brought in for weekends. Plans call for space allowing for two simultaneous horse shows, Manvell said. She added that a tie-in to Medina County's water and electric would be sought but that private septic tanks would be used for waste disposal. Space would also be created to house 150 to 200 RVs or trailers complete with electrical hookups. A concession stand is included in plans, but Manvell said private food vendors probably would be brought in and that liquor sales are a possibility. Trustees instructed Manvell to put together a preliminary site plan for a meeting in the near future. Officials said they want to see questions answered regarding potential business traffic intensity and whether the project falls under Ohio Revised Code exemptions for agricultural tourism, which in some instances override local zoning regulations. "Any lighting would be no more invasive than what's already coming off the interstate," Manvell said. "We look at this as a great opportunity for the area." Kratzer Farm was previously considered for development by international manufacturer Welser Profile. However, those $60 million plans were canceled this month due to COVID-19-related budget concerns, the company told trustees. That decision also came after Welser learned its facility would be ineligible for a county sewer hookup. Contact reporter Jonathan Delozier at (330)721-4050 or jdelozier@medina-gazette.com.