Polk County OKs initial contracts for long-sought Agricultural Center south of Bartow
The Polk County Agricultural Center Complex in Bartow took a giant gallop forward on June 3 when the County Commission voted to approve architectural and engineering services for phase one of the long-discussed complex.
A contract with The Lunz Group LLC was approved by the commission for $1.57 million.
'This has been a lot of work for a lot of people. I've been after this since I have become a commissioner. And it's had a lot of roads up and down, bumps, bangs,' Commission Chairman Rick Wilson said prior to the unanimous vote.
In thanking those who helped push for the project, Wilson added, 'This is Polk County; this is going to be a nice facility for generations to come.'
An equestrian-themed public facility in Bartow was first publicly discussed at a County Commission agenda review on May 20, 2024.
Phase one would include a covered arena with seating. Overall, the complex will be designed to highlight Polk County's agricultural heritage.
Bartow's City Manager Mike Herr made the pitch for the facility last year to the commissioners once another site for the complex fell through after years of planning.
The last proposed equestrian center was to be developed in Fort Meade, but the Polk County Commission rescinded its pledge of $6.5 million toward the center in July 2023.
On June 3 after the commission vote, Herr was very happy with the decision to begin the initial phase.
'We are very excited about the County Commission hiring the Lunz Group. First, they are a local firm, so circulating tax dollars to a professional firm who is qualified is important,' Herr said.
'This is a very exciting day for the south-central area of Polk County," he said. "The Equestrian Center will serve as a driver for additional agri-tourism events at this site and will attract families from all across the region. It's a very good example of putting heads in beds. Our city cannot wait for it to be open.'
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Polk County moves forward on long-sought Agricultural Center in Bartow
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