Friends of Fall City Arena

08/13/2024

Here’s just what we need at the equestrian crossing on SR-203 from the Fall City Arena to the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, Tokul Creek Forest, and the Campbell Global Tree Farm. The current signage and road striping does little to slow down trucks and cars speeding on a blind curve.

The Pegasus Crossing, popular in the UK, has a button down low for hikers and bikers, plus a button about six feet up for mounted equestrians. There is also a fenced staging area for horses on either side.

If you think it’s a good idea Like, Comment, Share.

Recently WSDOT suggested changing the Fall City horse crossing to a bike/ pedestrian crossing. We are working with Mountains to Sound Greenway and the Fall City Metropolitan Park District to preserve the equestrian crossing and improve the trail connections and access. Join us in our efforts: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=QLV993H868VJE

http://tomscott.com - - If you wander the footpaths and bridleways of Britain, you might stumble across a special crossing for horses.

07/27/2024

Here’s the arena parking today! Thank you Fall City Floating, LLC for the sandwich board. Oh what a little community action and cooperation can accomplish! Come on down and enjoy the arena.

07/26/2024

Parking by floaters at the Fall City Arena continues to be a challenge, especially on weekends. This map shows what Fall City Floating, LLC tells their customers on their website, but apparently customers choose not to read it and/or ignore it. Although not all parking violaters are FCF customers, many are. Friends is reaching out to Fall City Floating and the Sheriff’s department to discuss the challenges and work towards cooperative solutions. We’ll keep you updated.

In the meantime, the Sheriff’s office asks for arena user’s help by notifying them when they see violaters. Call the non-emergency line: (206) 296-3311

07/25/2024

Below is Parks “official” response to the parking situation at the arena this past weekend.

Friends of Fall City Arena is continuing to work with Parks to resolve issues and is beginning discussions with the Sheriff’s Office and Fall City Floating to collaborate on solutions.

“Thank you for reaching out to King County Parks. The “Horse Trailers Parking Only” sign was stolen and our Operations staff have installed a replacement sign.

We ask that parking violations also get reported to the King County Sheriff's Office for non-emergency services line at 206-296-3311. KCSO is the only one with authority to enforce parking regulations.

Many people come to our park to use the river for their private floating experience, for fishing, strolling, dog walking, and access to the Snoqualmie Valley Trail. Fall City Floating company is helping to alleviate the parking issues by providing a private parking lot of 150 spots that accommodate their guests and their shuttle cuts down on half of the cars needed to park and float the river; it is unlikely that their guests are parking in the arena lot, as the shuttle takes them to that area. In addition, a few highlights of their many contributions: FCF helps pay for sheriff patrols for speeding, DWIs, etc., pays for litter clean up caused by all river users, and also pays for safety observers on the river with the goal to keep everyone safe.”

07/23/2024

REMINDER…
Our local councilwoman Sarah Perry is having a town hall meeting at the Fall City Library this Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. Please consider attending the event to make our presence known and our concerns heard about the Fall City Arena. See you there!

Sign up link: https://form.jotform.com/241934780964165

07/22/2024

Thanks King County Parks - Your Big Backyard for your quick action! A permanent sign is on its way. Unfortunately, the horse trailer parking sign was twice removed/stolen. Arena users, help keep an eye out for anyone messing with the signs. A more permanent and effective solution to parking is in discussion.

07/21/2024

Here is the sign post at the Fall City Arena from last year. Where’d the bottom one go? We’re on the case! Parks has been notified.

07/21/2024

Here’s what the arena parking lot looked like today. Packed with floaters and no space for horse rigs. This space is reserved for horse rigs only and all these people are parking illegally. Unfortunately the lack of signage and enforcement exacerbates the situation.

Friends of Fall City arena is discussing solutions with King County Parks, but so far no real progress or commitment to signage or security.

Horse community action is necessary to move the mountain and create action.
- Call the King County Sheriff to ask for enforcement of the parking law. (Non Emergency Line: (206) 296-3311)
- Write and email the leaders of the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks to make them aware of your concerns. (https://directory.kingcounty.gov/GroupDetail.asp?GroupID=14000)
- Ask your local King County Council representative to help.
- Share your input and concerns at County councilmember town halls. (One’s coming up in Fall City on July 25th at 6:30p at the Fall City Library.)
- Take the time to respond to public input surveys from King County Parks.
- Support the efforts of Friends to find solutions and make improvements by making a donation and volunteering for a committee. (paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=QLV993H868VJE)

Complaining on social media does not create action. One-on-one conversation with the goal of finding solutions makes things happen. We are committed to that and ask you to join us.

If we don’t use it, we lose it!

07/06/2024

Friends of Fall City Arena is looking for a horse lover that wants to help spread the word on social and traditional media about what we’re up to. This is a volunteer position. PM us to express interest in helping promote this incredible community asset and keeping the “Friends” updated.

07/05/2024

With all the mountain bikers and equestrians using the trails around Fall City, here's a good reminder how we can all be conscientious and courteous to each other. Also, pull the ear buds so you can hear others coming and enjoy the beautiful sounds of nature.
https://youtu.be/aWbdyZs44Js?feature=shared

07/02/2024

It looks like some Holsteins escaped from the farm up the street and are hanging out in the Fall City Arena! Thanks to NWNHC Store for dressing up the arena with their donation of these fun barrel covers.

We had a good meeting with King County Parks last week. We are close to a final agreement and starting the rehab. More details to come.

You can help bring back this incredible community asset by volunteering to help and donating whatever you can. Every little bit helps.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=QLV993H868VJE

05/30/2024

Arena rehab project is featured in June Fall City Neighbors magazine!

PROJECT UPDATE: FFCA presented King County Parks a maintenance and working agreement for review. We are attempting to set up a meeting to discuss and work through any issues. The recommendation from the chosen consultant is that the rehabilitation work be done by a contractor with arena experience and specialized equipment, rather than County employees. This has an impact on County labor contracts. We’re confident any issues can be resolved. We are still working towards a July timeline for the work to be done.

05/08/2024

We need a logo! Our current logo isn’t working out so hot! 😂

Are you a graphic artist that is horse crazy? We need your help to create a visual identity for Friends of Fall City Arena that represents our Snoqualmie Valley home and our mission to provide equestrian opportunities, especially to youth and underserved communities.

Message us with your design suggestions or desire to volunteer your professional graphics talents.

05/08/2024

GiveBIG to help bring back the fun to Fall City Arena. This amazing community treasure needs your loving care to bring it back to its former glory. Help rehabilitate the footing, bring back amazing events, and develop programs to bring the healing power of the horse to underserved youth in King County and beyond. Become a member of FFCA today with your donation.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=QLV993H868VJE

04/23/2024

URGENT CALL TO EQUESTRIANS!
Join in the conversation to make sure the voices of the horse community are heard and our efforts to bring the healing spirit of the horse to more people are funded. Just follow the link to join the meeting and be sure to complete the survey before April 29th.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAKING/bulletins/3980a6f

And don’t forget to support Friends of Fall City Arena with your membership donation. Every little bit helps!
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=QLV993H868VJE&source=qr

04/12/2024

Be sure to take the survey before April 29 and be sure King County Parks hears from the equestrian community!

Help shape the future of the King County Parks Levy!

We want to hear from you what should be in the upcoming King County Parks Levy to improve the parks and outdoor spaces in your community. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete — and your feedback will help shape parks and trails for years to come.

Take the survey and learn more at https://kingcounty.gov/ParksLevy

03/22/2024

Join us for the next Friends of Fall City Arena meeting and become involved in revitalizing this great community asset. Get updates on where we’re at on the project. See where we can use your help. Ask your questions. Volunteer. Email [email protected] to receive your Zoom invitation.

03/22/2024

Hey local horse peeps…rise up, speak up for equestrian recreation! Take the survey today. DEADLINE APRIL 29th!

And don’t forget to join Friends of Fall City Arena and bring a great community asset back to its former glory.
Donate today:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=QLV993H868VJE

Help shape the future of the King County Parks Levy!

We want to hear from you what should be in the upcoming King County Parks Levy to improve the parks and outdoor spaces in your community. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete — and your feedback will help shape parks and trails for years to come.

Take the survey and learn more at https://kingcounty.gov/ParksLevy

03/19/2024

Here’s your chance to input on summertime challenges at the Fall City Arena. Let Parks know that more is needed to keep floaters out of the arena parking lot and along the access roads. It’s your input that will make a difference.

https://publicinput.com/fcf-sign

03/14/2024

Permits to recreate on the Snoqualmie Tree Farm, north of Fall City, are now available. Access to the property and the Snoqualmie Valley Trail is available via the Fall City Arena parking lot.

Visit the Campbell Global application site to get your permit to horseback ride on the property.

https://myoutdooragent.com/ #/app/property?id=lsa_4oz2amv8

03/12/2024

Fall City Arena has been a place of so many memories over the years. It’s a wonderful community asset that needs some loving care to bring it back to its former glory. Join with Friends of Fall City Arena in revitalizing the surface and maintaining a facility that will bring back clubs, shows, playdays, trainers and equestrians who just want to have fun.

King County Parks will do the work. We’re hiring the consultant to recommend the grading and footing and purchase a new drag designed specifically for arenas.

Of course, the consultant and equipment cost money, but we know the equestrian community will come together to make this public venue something we can all enjoy and create new opportunities for kids and underserved communities who long to discover the joy of the horse.

Join us and donate today! Every little bit helps. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=QLV993H868VJE

Friends of Fall City Arena is a 501(c)(3) charity. Your donation and matching gift from your employer may be tax deductible. EIN 93-4554254

03/09/2024

PROJECT UPDATE
Requests for proposals (RFP) went out this week to eight arena footing consultants to provide guidance, specifications and plans for rehabilitating the Fall City Arena. Thanks horse community for your vendor suggestions. Proposals are due back at the end of the month. The consultant will provide the specs, the county will do the “dirt work.” Target date for project start: July 2024.

You can help in the effort to revitalize this great community asset by volunteering and donating to help pay the consultant and purchase a new drag designed specifically for horse arenas. Every little bit helps! Donate today:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=QLV993H868VJE

Friends of Fall City Arena is a 501(c)(3) charity. Your contribution may be tax deductible. EIN 93-4554254

03/05/2024

Annual permits for riding in the Snoqualmie Tree Farm in Fall City are coming available on March 13th. The tree farm is located across SR-202 from the Fall City Arena. Parking is available at the park with access to the Snoqualmie Valley Trail and the Snoqualmie Tree Farm. Just follow this link to get in your request for an individual or family permit before the mountain bikers get them all.

https://myoutdooragent.com/ #/app/property?id=lsa_4oz2amv8

02/02/2024

YOUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
At the recent Friends of Fall City Arena meeting, the following community leaders were elected to the board of directors:
Jim Hutchins President
Corina Jung Rahmig Secretary
Lori Watts Director at Large
Kelly Clark Boyd Director at Large

WANT TO BE A LEADER TOO? We are still seeking volunteer board members with expertise in the following areas to help guide the organization and direct its efforts for the rehabilitation, maintenance, and promotion of this valuable community asset.
- Legal (Contracts & Corporate Governance)
- Government (County, State, or Local)
- Non-Profit Development (Fundraising & Membership)
- Equestrian Facility Management/Maintenance
- Communications (Social Media, Web, Print, Broadcast)

If you have experience in any of these areas and would like to contribute in a leadership role, please Message us or email [email protected] 

01/05/2024

WANT TO BE A LEADER? Friends of Fall City Arena is in need of expertise in the following areas to help guide the organization and direct its efforts for the rehabilitation, maintenance, and promotion of this valuable community asset. These would be positions on its Board of Directors.
- Legal (Contracts & Corporate Governance)
- Government (County, State, or Local)
- Non-Profit Development (Fundraising & Membership)
- Equestrian Facility Management/Maintenance
- Communications (Social Media, Web, Print, Broadcast)

If you have experience in any of these areas and would like to contribute in a leadership role, please Message us at Friends of Fall City Arena or email [email protected] 

12/18/2023

WE NEED YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ARENA CONSULTANTS. King County has committed to doing the “dirt work” for the rehabilitation of Fall City Arena, but they need “Friends” to provide the grading and footing recommendations. We are currently seeking a consult to assist with that process. If you know of any individual or firm that you trust, send us a DM and we can include them in the bidding process.

12/16/2023

All we want for Christmas is our eight scarifying teeth. The Friends of Fall City Arena wish list includes an ABI TR3 Equine Edition drag. It’s just the tool we need to make sure the new footing stays groomed and safe. You can help make our wishes come true by donating to the effort. Our goal: $9,000. Message us for donation instructions. EIN 93-4554254

11/28/2023

Friends of Fall City Arena is now an official not-for-profit. Your financial support may be tax deductible and can be doubled if your employer has a matching gift program. Volunteer time is also eligible for community service hours for school or employer programs.