The Milton Equestrian Committee will convene Wednesday to hear about plans to improve Birmingham Park as well as other key initiatives in the works.

The July 15 meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall. People can attend in Council Chambers, or they can watch online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdGScHtaP6s. 

The MEC, as this committee is sometimes referred to, discusses matters of importance to the local equestrian community. Its seven members, who are appointed by Milton’s Mayor and Councilmembers, share their insights, opinions, and expertise with City staff as well as elected officials. 

And historically, this committee is especially interested in one Milton facility – Birmingham Park – given how horses (and their riders) love to traverse its natural trails. The park already has several equestrian-specific amenities, including hitching posts and water sources. 

Earlier this year, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources announced that Milton’s is among 17 projects statewide selected for grants through the federally funded (and state administered) Recreational Trails Program. Funds should be available by years end, after which participating local governments will have 24 months to use them. 

To learn more, visit www.miltonga.gov/BirminghamParkProject. 

The Equestrian Committee then will roll into a discussion about fireworks on the heels of the recently concluded long Independence Day weekend. 

The committee next will revisit the possibility of welcoming children at an equestrian-themed camp next summer. 

The final item on Wednesday’s meeting agenda relates to an in-the-works survey intended for the owners of horse farms and large lots (defined as 3 acres or greater) more generally. MEC has been working with the City in exploring ways to incentivize owners of more sizable properties to keep them as is (rather than subdivide) or even add them. These surveys, links to which are expected to be mailed directly to qualifying households, is a valuable, targeted public outreach opportunity. 

After Wednesday’s meeting, the Equestrian Committee is next scheduled to convene on August 19.