Photos of Stockdale Staging Area

Well, I finally got a chance to go out and take a first hand look of the new staging area.

First, let's discuss the good: it's in a good location, the road was well made and there is a nice "turn around" area at the end.

The problems: 1) dirt was moved from the baseball area which raised the parking area, this resulted in a 30% grade in some areas. (See the first photo) Now, if you park your rig on the pavement, you should be able to tie your horse to the trailer and keep your horse on level ground. If you pull off and park on the dirt, which is what you are supposed to do...you may have your horse standing on a 30% angle resulting in your pad and saddle slipping off if you don't cinch up pretty quick.

2) Where are we supposed to ride our horses if we can successfully saddle up? There is a pedestrian bridge to the river (3rd photo) (which we have been told we are not to use) or the dirt road between Goose Lake Slough and the Cross Valley Canal (which has been closed off by a locked gate 2nd photo) So, do we take a chance with the bridge or ride around the baseball diamonds for awhile?

3) The baseball diamond parking is limited, how do we prevent the baseball parents from using our parking area? We will need signs and enforcement to reserve this area.

FYI: to get to the staging area, you have to come north from Stockdale Hwy. The turnoff can not be accessed from the southbound lanes due to a concrete island. Not a biggie, but I just thought you would want to know before you have to drive around the block to get the right approach.

This staging area is not a "dead horse", excuse the pun, but it will be if we don't inform the planning department of the problems.

Koztarr has left a new comment on your post "Photos of Stockdale Staging Area":

I have been in touch with the city engineer regarding this staging area and he has indicated that a new equestrian access to the Pioneer Canal bank will be installed adjacent to the pedestrian bridge. Also, the city crews will continue to shape the shoulder/parking area to provide level areas. The Kern County Water Agency will be updating the fence so the city will coordinate earth work with fence replacement. The city is looking into using a material similar to rock dust for surface topping. Signage will be installed on the fence to indicate euestrian parking only. Much of this work will be done after the grand opening of the ball fields scheduled for April 18th. My friend and I parked two large rigs along the fence near the turn around and were able to park off the dirt and saddle with no problems. I would suggest that the bridge be used until the new equestrian access is installed. Happy trails to all.