Dear GHJA Membership,
A year ago we faced the very real possibility that we would lose our beloved Wills Park Equestrian
Center. Forces within the City of Alpharetta, and primarily on the city council, set their sights upon
the lynchpin of our community. The individuals behind this movement sought to replace the
equestrian center with a tennis facility, an aquatic center, or more soccer fields, depending on who
you spoke to and which interest group had spoken most recently. Regardless of the plan, there was
a clear agenda to take the WPEC away from all of us.
Many of us within the equestrian community mobilized to counter the threat. Petitions were signed,
social media groups were formed, and the horse community rallied to protect what for many of us
is our weekend home. Within GHJA then President Kelly Sims, Cathy Coffey, Cheryl Sims, myself,
and other members of the board spearheaded an effort to reach out to Alpharetta and let them
know who we are. As a result of this initiative we formed new friendships, joined the Greater North
Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and reached out to local politicians and businesses alike. We learned
that we have far more friends in both the city administration and the local community than we
imagined. There are, however, still those that would see the horse community as a part of
Alpharetta’s past rather than its future.
This past Monday evening it came to light that there is an item in the 2016 Alpharetta budget which
allocates $80,000.00 to conduct a study for the repurposing of Wills Park. While this was a shock to
many of us, it serves as a reminder that there are still those on the Alpharetta City Council that seek
to replace Wills Park with what they see as more “modern” and “necessary” facilities. While Wills
Park Equestrian Center is not currently endangered, it still remains threatened.
One of the primary reasons I stood for President of the GHJA Board of Directors was to ensure the
survival of Wills Park Equestrian Center. It is a mission that remain at the top of GHJA’s list of
priorities. We are continuing to work with the city to address their concerns and educate both city
staff and elected officials about our community and the value of WPEC not just to Alpharetta, but to
the entire region.
In closing, I would like to remind you that Georgia Hunter Jumper Association is a 501 (c) 3
organization and as such cannot promote political candidates or agendas. We can remind you that
this is an election year in Alpharetta and encourage you to learn about candidates and issues in the
upcoming election. For those of you that are citizens of Alpharetta, we encourage you to register, go
to the polls, and vote your conscience. If you aren’t, we encourage you to educate your friends that
are and encourage them to vote theirs.
We will continue to work with the City of Alpharetta and our membership to create a lasting
relationship that will ensure the survival of Wills Park Equestrian Center.
Respectfully yours,
Jack Flowers