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The Montgomery County Planning Board unanimously approved $750,000 in improvements to Woodstock Equestrian Park in Beallsville to help the growing facility achieve the goals outlined in its master plan.

Phase II as described in the park's master plan includes riding rings, a cross-country course, trails, fencing, renovations to historic structures, plantings and infrastructure improvements, according to board documents. The first phase of development at the 872-acre park included 16 miles of trails, equestrian bridges, stone entrance walls and parking lots.

The parks department has $750,000 in state grants and private donations, the documents state. Phase II would cost an estimated $1.8 million, so an abbreviated priority list that would cost just under $750,000 that can be added to if more funds become available was developed. The list includes a large outdoor riding ring, a beginners cross-country course, grading for two smaller rings, expanded parking lots, renovating a stone tenant farm house into an office, rebuilding a historic corn crib as a picnic pavilion and establishing a working well.

Several members of the equestrian community testified in favor of the park and said local riding facilities are often expensive or overbooked.

"One of the most fantastic opportunities Woodstock has presented to the community is a place for the average person to trail ride," said Monica Breland of Dickerson.

The rings would likely host unsanctioned events, according to the documents. Most would draw 16-30 riders and 20-40 spectators, though large events with 30-100 riders are anticipated three to four times a year, the documents state. The cross-country course is expected to book two to four events a year.

The scope of the master plan, which included a proposed indoor arena, has been scaled back due to concerns about compatibility with the surrounding rural community, according to the documents. The arena was not included in the second phase and would require a large private endowment to cover operating costs, the documents state.

"It's been a long haul to see the park shaped into an entity that will serve the community, both the one that rides there and the one that lives there," said Laura Van Etten, who runs a tack and supply store in Poolesville. "…I think a good compromise has been struck."

The appropriation request is expected to go to the County Council in April. If approved, an estimated six months of construction would begin in 2010.