Big changes are in store for the International Polo Club Palm Beach, which was purchased earlier this year by Wellington Equestrian Partners.
A site plan amendment application was submitted in late July for the 248-acre property located along the west side of 120th Avenue South, across from Village Park in Wellington.
The amendment calls for the construction of an equestrian stadium with banquet facilities, five equestrian show rings, four barns with 624 stalls, paved and grass parking, golf cart parking, two additional tennis courts, and the expansion of the clubhouse, restaurant and spa facilities.
Planning, Zoning & Building Director Bob Basehart said that the project is mostly being reviewed at the staff level, because the site is already categorized as commercial recreation in the comprehensive plan.
“It’s a piece of property that’s in the Equestrian Overlay Zoning District,” Basehart said. “It’s not part of any big planned development, and under the provisos in the code, the approvals that are necessary are staff-level approvals.”
Currently, village staff, through the Development Review Committee, is making sure that all of the requirements of the code are met, Basehart explained.
The Development Review Committee meets every two weeks, but needs a few weeks lead time for any changes. Basehart estimated that by the end of the year, the IPC plans should be through the approval process.
“Looking at it, from a professional point of view, it looks like what they’re doing is going to be very nice and very functional. I think it will be a big asset to Wellington,” Basehart said. “Basically, what they’re doing is improving on an existing facility.”
The site was previously owned by the Goodman family trust. Wellington Equestrian Partners CEO Mark Bellissimo announced the purchase in March. Bellissimo’s company also owns the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, home of the Winter Equestrian Festival. Last year, Wellington Equestrian Partners purchased the Wanderers Club.
Upon completing the purchase in late April, Bellissimo promised a series of major upgrades and renovations to the facility.
The International Polo Club Palm Beach hosts the largest field of high-goal teams and the three most prestigious polo tournaments in the United States.
For more information, visit www.internationalpoloclub.com.
The proposed site development/improvements seem to be for bringing the Dressage Shows currently being held at South Shore and Pierson Road to this new Bellissimo acquisition, which ironically, is closer and adjacent to the Jacobs’ property.