By Kevin Hanson

The Courier-Herald

Before deciding on a recommended course of action that could forever change the makeup of the city, Enumclaw's elected leaders are hoping to hear from the public.

A hired consultant has suggested Enumclaw embrace its horse-friendly attitude and remake itself as the equestrian center of the Pacific Northwest. Such a maneuver, as recommended, would bring a new look to downtown; would require a concerted effort by city government, the business community and civic groups; and would take years of coordinated effort. And, of course, it would take plenty of money.

The potential payoff, it is suggested, would be a reinvigorated Enumclaw, a city where tourist dollars flow and the entire community prospers.

The plan under consideration has been issued by Destination Development, which was hired to the tune of $40,000 to come up with a plan to enhance tourism. In a draft report, the Olympia-based company pointed out that Enumclaw residents seem willing to embrace tourists, but have no desire to become "the next Leavenworth" - referring to the central Washington mountain community that draws hordes of tourists with its Bavarian theme.

To be successful in drawing tourists, the report stated, Enumclaw has to first answer one simple question that is posed by potential visitors: "What does Enumclaw have that I, as a Puget Sound area resident, can't get closer to home?" The answer is "very little," the report summarized.

Enumclaw's consultants weren't short on ideas for the city's future, though. At the heart of everything is the idea of adopting an equestrian theme. Beyond that, specific recommendations were to:

€ See that a white, four-rail "horse fence" is installed along both sides of primary roads, including state Route 410. It's suggested the city help pay for the fencing on private property.

€ Give downtown Enumclaw its own identity, with the suggested name, "Enumclaw Marketplace." That is part of a suggestion that a concerted effort be made to promote the area as a "retail village" rather than a home to service-oriented businesses. At least 10 specialty shops are needed, it was said; Enumclaw now has six.

€ Develop a coordinated program for signs throughout the community that point visitors in the direction of popular destinations (Mount Rainier, the golf course, state Route 169, etc.).

€ Develop a merchant-driven program for signage that identifies individual businesses. Signs handing in front of each business, identifying what each shop has to offer, are essential, the report noted.

€ Acquire easements for riding trails throughout the community to promote the area as a haven for leisure riding.

€ Recruit specific businesses to the area that would complement the equestrian theme. Among those would be recreation vehicle parks, upscale dining, tour companies and equine specialty services.

€ Continue working toward establishment of a Mount Rainier Welcome Center. Various groups have been working on this project for years, making progress as funds become available.

€ And finally - and this is the big one - redevelop the King County Fairgrounds into the Northwest Expo and Equestrian Center. This brings King County into the picture, since the county owns the facility. It is suggested the fairgrounds be renovated to include more than 500 horse stalls, a 5,000 seat arena, a pair of covered practice arenas and three outdoor arenas, along with other amenities required by horses and their owners.

Consultants said they sought the advice of more than 20 equestrian professionals and hobbyists and visited numerous equestrian facilities. What they heard leads them to believe a quality facility in Enumclaw could quickly become the preferred site for equestrian shows and events throughout the Pacific Northwest.

The cost of such an ambitious plan are speculative at this point - consultants have estimated the entire package could run as high as $21 million - but money isn't the city's immediate concern. City Administrator Mark Bauer said the priority is to determine if the community even likes the idea. If there's support for the concept, then the city will examine whether it is economically feasible, he said.

After the Oct. 12 informational meeting, it's likely the City Council will set a couple more public hearings, Bauer said, where opinions could be heard. The council probably won't consider taking formal action on the plan, either to accept or reject, until after the first of the year, Bauer added.

To see a more detailed plan click here:

http://www.ci.enumclaw.wa.us/Tourism.htm

Kevin Hanson can be reached at khanson@courierherald.com.