Mojave Narrows equestrian center opens in Victorville with $1.6M upgrades; ribbon-cutting set for April 30
Mojave Narrows Regional Park in Victorville will celebrate the grand opening of its renovated equestrian center with a ribbon-cutting on April 30, 2026, unveiling $1.6 million (ARPA-funded) upgrades including barns, corrals and arena improvements for riders and events.
Key takeaways
- Event: Ribbon-cutting April 30, 2026, at 11 a.m.; free park admission 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; light refreshments first-come, first-served.
- Upgrades: New prefabricated barn (four stalls), rebuilt corrals, arena seating, lighting, PA system, water troughs and hitching posts.
- Funding: Project paid with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds; county communications list costs from about $1.6M to $1.9M; a $1.1M construction contract was awarded to KNC Construction in Oct. 2024.
- Location & contact: Mojave Narrows Regional Park, 18000 Yates Road, Victorville, CA 92392. Phone (760) 245-2226.
Main story
Project upgrades: what changed at Mojave Narrows
San Bernardino County Regional Parks says the work replaced older, damaged equestrian amenities and added new infrastructure to better host riders and small events. The centerpiece is a prefabricated barn with four horse stalls and an attached storage room for tack and feed. Workers installed water and electrical conduits to support arena lighting and systems, and two older corrals were demolished and rebuilt.
The arena now features spectator seating, upgraded lighting and a Public Address system. Personnel also installed new water troughs and hitching posts intended to support both daily use and event hosting.
Sources: county announcement, parks event page, project update.
Funding, costs and contracting: numbers and questions
County materials identify ARPA as the funding source. Official county communications vary: an April 23, 2026 announcement cites an approximate $1.6 million cost, while earlier updates listed a $1.9 million total budget. In October 2024, the county awarded a $1.1 million construction contract to KNC Construction; groundbreaking began in January 2025 and construction completed in spring 2026.
Investigative note: The variance between $1.6M and $1.9M prompts routine questions about cost savings, scope changes, and change orders. Residents may request the county’s final project accounting and any change orders from the project management office for detail.
For project documents and earlier planning materials, see the county’s project update and the April 2026 announcement.
Timeline and delivery
The timeline began with planning and budget approvals in 2024. The county awarded a contract to KNC Construction in October 2024; groundbreaking occurred in January 2025 and work concluded in spring 2026 ahead of the public opening. Visitors can tour the new barn, corrals and arena during the ribbon-cutting event.
Event details and public access
When: April 30, 2026 — ribbon-cutting at 11 a.m.
Admission: Free park admission for attendees from 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; light refreshments available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where: Mojave Narrows Regional Park, 18000 Yates Road, Victorville, CA 92392. Phone (760) 245-2226.
Note: The park will be closed May 1–3 for a separate special event; splash pads remain open. Related county events include a Prado ribbon-cutting (April 8, 2026) and Equine Education Day (April 26, 2026).
Event listings and contact info are available on the parks department page: Mojave Narrows ribbon-cutting event page.
Official statements and goals
Regional Parks Director Beahta Davis said the 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.”
Supervisor Dawn Rowe, in an October 2024 update, described the renovations as “a vital step in meeting the needs of our diverse and growing visitor base.” Chief of Project Management Sarah Riley noted the vision was to honor Mojave Narrows’ legacy while looking to the future.
Implications for the Inland Empire
Economic: The upgraded equestrian center could draw riders, events and families to Victorville, providing modest boosts to nearby businesses such as feed stores, restaurants and hotels.
Political: The completed project is a visible example of ARPA dollars used for community recreation; budget watchers may seek detailed accounting of the final costs.
Social & cultural: Improved equestrian facilities can expand access to riding, youth programs, therapy riding and community events, supporting local clubs and volunteers while preserving regional outdoor traditions.
Practical applications for residents
- Riders and groups can use the upgraded barn, corrals and arena for lessons, practice and small competitions—contact parks staff for booking and schedules.
- Plan visits around the free admission window on April 30 (10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.) and note the park closure May 1–3 for a separate event.
- Residents seeking detailed cost breakdowns or change-order records can request final accounting from the county project management office.
For more information
San Bernardino County Regional Parks maintains project updates and event calendars at the parks site and county pages: San Bernardino County Regional Parks and San Bernardino County official site. Specific event listings for the ribbon-cutting are at the Mojave Narrows event page and the county announcement at county announcement. Related event pages include the Prado ribbon-cutting and broader park events on the parks calendar.
