By Kevin Hanson The Courier-Herald

Anticipating a big turnout, Enumclaw city officials have moved next week's &#8220tourism and marketing” workshop to larger quarters.

The Monday meeting, originally planned for council chambers in City Hall, has been shifted to the Enumclaw Senior Activity Center, 1350 Cole St. The starting time of 7:30 p.m. is unchanged.

The meeting is billed as a workshop, not one of the council's regularly-scheduled meetings, and will not include a formal public hearing. City administration has indicated, however, that public testimony will be allowed.

City Administrator Mark Bauer said the scope of the meeting will be limited to the recent economic feasibility study conducted by Hebert Research. That study looked at the prospect of turning the Enumclaw Expo Center - formerly the King County Fairgrounds - into an equestrian center.

The equestrian center was part of a larger study performed by Destination Development, which recommended the city adopt an equestrian theme. The study covered everything from downtown signs to sprucing up the city's entryways, all in an effort to draw more people - and, to be precise, their expendable dollars - to Enumclaw.

The topic of Monday's meeting, the economic analysis, brought mixed reviews.

&#8220The idea of branding Enumclaw as an equestrian destination is an attractive option considering the equestrian environment in the area,” the report stated.

The Hebert Research analysts concluded the best bet for the city might be catering to the many trail riders in the area and the barrel racing community, while moving slow with a &#8220basic equestrian park” that would include camping facilities and accommodations for recreational vehicles.

Hebert Research sounded a warning when considering an immediate jump into a large-scale undertaking. The Destination Development planned suggested a facility with 500 horse stalls, a 5,000-seat arena, a rodeo arena and other arenas, both indoors and out.

&#8220Such a comprehensive venue is not a financially wise or viable option at this time,” the Hebert report stated.