After calls from Arcadia residents to preserve dozens of oak trees at Santa Anita Park, the horse racing track on Wednesday requested the city stop evaluating a proposed equestrian course for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Santa Anita had applied for a permit to remove 34 protected oaks to make way for an LA28 cross-country equestrian track, but now the application is “on pause” and the administrative review process is also suspended, according to an announcement from the city.
The course construction would also encroach upon and threaten 45 other trees.
“At this time, there is no decision pending before city staff or the Arcadia City Council regarding the proposed tree removals,” officials said.
During a recent public meeting at Santa Anita Park, residents asked questions, raised concerns about impacts to trees and wildlife and offered suggestions to improve the proposal.
A number of residents also have voiced opposition to the proposed tree removals at recent council meetings.
“In response to the significant public input, Santa Anita Park and LA28 have committed to reevaluating their proposed course design and opportunities to reduce impacts to protected trees,” according to a city statement.
“I appreciate Santa Anita Park, LA28 and all involved parties for listening and responding to the concerns that have been raised,” Mayor Paul Cheng said in a statement. “I was grateful to join project stakeholders and community members on Aug. 27 and hear firsthand the thoughtful perspectives that were shared. The input provided by Arcadians and environmental advocates at that meeting has been an important part of the public process, and I am encouraged by the project team’s willingness to reconsider the proposal in response to that input.”
Representatives from the race track could not be reached for comment.
In late July, Santa Anita Park applied to remove the dozens of protected trees to facilitate the proposed cross-country equestrian course. The application was the culmination of efforts that began a year ago, when arborists inventoried more than one-third of the more than 900 trees along the back of the property. Officials said planning for the course has included geological sampling and testing, with arborist reports and biological assessments available online for public review.
The Arcadia Development Services Department handles permits for tree removal. Prior to the Aug. 27 meeting, the city had committed to withholding a decision on the removal permit until Santa Anita Park and Olympic organizers had an opportunity to provide more information about the proposal and get feedback from the public about it, officials said.
If the race track submits a revised permit application, the public notification and input process will restart. The application process resumes without changes to the course design, “stakeholders who have contacted the city on this matter will be notified,” officials said.
Santa Anita Park was selected as the venue for the Olympic equestrian events because of its ability to host all three events in one location — dressage, eventing and jumping, according to the city.
“The city remains committed to keeping the community informed throughout the application process and ensuring that all applications follow the applicable review and notification procedures,” officials said.
Updates and relevant information are available online at ArcadiaCA.gov/OakTreesatCCC.