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PBCE Equestrians Participate in Unity Ride at Riverbend Park
by Beverly Bean

On Valentines Day, more than 100 residents from bordering equestrian communities, including Palm Beach Country Estates, rode on horseback to Riverbend Park to celebrate the new connective bridge, trails, horse trailer parking (not open to public yet) and five years of progress for community accessible equestrian trails. The communities included the Acreage, Caloosa, Wind in the Pines, Jupiter Farms, Palm Beach Country Estates and Okeechobee.

Senate President Jeff Atwater rode a large Belgium horse as equestrians joined and shared the Ring of Unity, crafted by Seminole Representatives of Riverbend Park for Community Connections' inaugural Ocean to Lake Greenway Equestrian Events 2005 and 2006. Since then, the State has designated the connective area as the Ocean to Lake Greenway and community accessible equestrian trails have been included through hard work and collaborative effort. 

Ride the Ring of Unity Event was organized by Community Connection, Inc., who presented Acknowledgments to attending dignitaries Senator Jeff Atwater, Dennis Eshleman and Steve Bergkamp for their support. Horses wore symbolic eagle feathers in their manes to commemorate the promise carried with the Ring in 2005, 2006 to "connect cultures and communities, parks and preserves, respect for the environment and preservation of the history of horses on these lands". The historic Ring of Unity will go on display at Riverbend Park.

"Five years ago, we did not have any of these trails" said Beverly Bean, Director Emeriti and founding member of Community Connection. "Today, 100% of the equestrian trails residents used to get here, and that we enjoyed today, have been acquired since our inaugural Ocean to Lake Equestrian Event in 2005."

Palm Beach County Firefighters, Gold Coast Arabian Horse Club, Town and Country and the nearly 100 horses wearing a feather were thanked for their donations. Nine other organizations and communities were recognized for their ongoing support as well as Gold Coast Arabian Horse Club Junior members for making the feathers and Girl Scout Troop 21000 for making the lunches. Riverbend was thanked for their support of Community Connections Stewardship program and for supporting the State Designation of the Ocean to Lake Greenway which specifically provides for separate trails for each user group. "Riverbend Park is an excellent example of how everyone can enjoy the spirit of their sport", said Beverly, founding member of the organization.

Evelyn Parkes, president of Community Connection, initiated carrying the Ring of Unity on horseback with riders from Caloosa, using the Loxahatchee Slough - Luckey Tract equestrian trails. Each participating community shared in the history of the Ring and the Event. The Ring was originally accepted by Beverly Bean in 2005 for our community and in 2010 by Kerie Franco. After the bridge ceremony, equestrians enjoyed riding through Riverbend and returned to the trailer parking area via a new connective trail through a canopied oak hammock. During lunch, Richard Procyk, Riverbend Park Historian, presented the history of Riverbend Park and a walking tour to a battlefield site. 

The Ring of Unity Equestrian Event was enjoyed by all and was an excellent example of how communities can access trails to the Ocean to Lake Greenway, which is bordered by many equestrian communities. "This is a rare opportunity we are striving to preserve for future generations to enjoy", said Angel Phillips who participated on horseback with her young children Andrew and Matthew.

Photo Link: http://files.me.com/bbeaninc/r7z56m
Beverly Bean, Director Emeriti of Community Connection, presents Senate President Jeff Atwater the Ring of Unity in Riverbend Park for his dedicated support of community accessible equestrian trails, preservation of history and Greenway connectivity.

Photo Link: http://files.me.com/bbeaninc/ppifhe
Evelyn Parkes, President of Community Connection, presents an Acknowledgement to Senate President Jeff Atwater for his support while Beverly Bean, founding member, holds the Ring of Unity. Dennis Eshleman and Helmut Schmitt (right) participate on horseback.

Photos: Deborah Thatcher

 


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