Mojave Narrows unveils new equestrian facilities as county cuts ribbon on multimillion-dollar upgrade
Mojave Narrows Regional Park in Victorville will unveil new equestrian facilities with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 30, 2026, featuring state-of-the-art barns, corrals and an arena funded by American Rescue Plan Act investments and community programs.
- Ribbon-cutting: Ceremony scheduled for Thursday, April 30, 2026; county lists the start time as 11 a.m..
- Free admission: Visitors may tour the new barn, corrals and arena during free admission 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; light refreshments while supplies last.
- Funding & budget: Project paid with ARPA funds; reported totals vary between ~$1.6 million and ~$1.9 million; construction contract awarded for $1.1 million.
- Location & contact: Mojave Narrows Regional Park, 18000 Yates Road, Victorville, CA 92392 — phone 760-245-2226.
Project overview
Mojave Narrows Regional Park in Victorville is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 30, 2026, to open newly constructed equestrian facilities funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Attendees are invited to tour the improvements and enjoy light refreshments on a first-come, first-served basis.
Project details and amenities
San Bernardino County Regional Parks reports the revitalization includes a prefabricated barn with multiple stalls, a storage room for tack and feed, new corrals, spectator seating around an arena, arena lighting and a Public Address (PA) system. Additional infrastructure work installed water and electrical conduits, new water troughs and hitching posts, and improved trails for riders and visitors. The project replaced two older corrals and added four new stalls.
Funding, contract amounts and budget questions
County communications state the project was paid for with federal ARPA funds. The county’s most recent release lists the total project cost at roughly $1.6 million, while earlier materials and event listings show a figure closer to $1.9 million. The Project and Facilities Management Department awarded a $1.1 million construction contract to KNC Construction. These varying figures are documented in county releases and project updates and merit attention from taxpayers and oversight bodies.
Timeline and operational notes
The equestrian amenities had previously closed due to damage requiring repair. Groundbreaking occurred in January 2025, and construction proceeded through 2025 into 2026 under county oversight. The county notes a full park closure for a special event from May 1–3, 2026 following the ribbon-cutting; visitors should plan accordingly.
Event details and visitor information
County event materials list the ceremony start time as 11 a.m.; a small number of listings show an evening time of 6–7 p.m., so organizers encourage attendees to confirm times. Free park admission will be offered from 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m. on April 30 so visitors can tour the new facilities. Light refreshments will be available while supplies last. For questions, call Mojave Narrows Regional Park at 760-245-2226.
Statements from officials
Beahta Davis, Regional Parks Director: “The new equestrian facility supports the department’s mission to invest in and preserve cultural and historical park resources. I am excited about this new amenity, and the department is looking forward to increased programs and activities for the equestrian community.”
Dawn Rowe, Board of Supervisors Chairman: The renovations are “a vital step in meeting the needs of our diverse and growing visitor base,” noting benefits for riders and families.
Sarah Riley, Chief of Project Management: The intent was to honor Mojave Narrows’ legacy while preparing facilities for future use.
Related activities and countywide projects
Mojave Narrows is part of a broader County effort to refresh park amenities across the system. Current openings and recent ribbon-cuttings include splash pads at Mojave Narrows, Cucamonga-Guasti and Prado Regional Parks, as well as nearby events like Equine Education Day at Prado Regional Park on April 26. County officials tie these projects to the Countywide Vision of connecting and beautifying communities through shared open spaces.
Transparency, oversight and questions for residents
This project used federal ARPA funds. For residents concerned about government spending and stewardship, items to watch include:
- Variation in reported total project cost ($1.6M vs. $1.9M).
- The awarded construction contract of $1.1M to KNC Construction.
- Operational impacts such as the temporary closure May 1–3, 2026.
County documents and event pages are publicly available for review; residents and watchdogs are encouraged to examine line items and seek itemized accounting of ARPA allocations.
Implications for Hesperia, California
Economic impact: The upgraded equestrian facilities should increase visitor spending by attracting riders and families to Victorville events, clinics and weekend riding—potentially benefiting Hesperia businesses that serve horse owners, such as feed stores, tack shops and equine veterinarians.
Political consequences: Conservative residents focused on accountable spending may scrutinize the project’s varying reported totals; clear, itemized accounting from county leaders can address those concerns.
Social and cultural effects: The new amenities expand safe, family-oriented recreation, support equine programming for youth and veterans, and help preserve the High Desert’s equestrian traditions.
For more information and to review source documents
Primary county documents and event pages cited in this article:
- San Bernardino County press release: Mojave Narrows Regional Park to hold ribbon-cutting ceremony for new equestrian center
- Parks event page: Mojave Narrows barn & corral ribbon-cutting ceremony
- Project update: Mojave Narrows Regional Park equestrian building and corrals revitalization project update
- Public event listing: MyGovTools event listing
Sources cited throughout: county press releases, parks event page and project updates linked above.
