What’s Next for the Bonita Horse Arena? A Community Conversation Worth Having

Rohr Park in Bonita has always been one of those places that feels woven into daily life. With its walking trails, open space, and views that slow you down a bit, it’s a park many of us pass through without a second thought. Lately, though, the horse arena tucked inside the park has become the center of a much bigger conversation, and it’s one worth paying attention to.

City planners are reviewing a new master plan for Rohr Park that could remove the existing Bonita Horse Arena to make room for additional athletic fields. That idea has sparked concern from local equestrians, longtime residents, and even the Chula Vista mayor, who has publicly called for the arena to remain part of the plan. The arena has been around for more than 40 years and supports a large number of horses in the Bonita area. It’s also maintained by the local saddle club at no cost to the city, which adds another layer to the discussion.

Here is my hot take on the Bonita Horse Arena

Here’s my honest, personal take. In all my years of walking the Rohr Park trail, I can’t remember a time when I’ve actually seen the Bonita horse arena in use. That’s not a knock on the arena or the people who care deeply about it. It’s just an observation that many locals can probably relate to. For some, that raises the question of whether it still belongs. For others, it highlights a missed opportunity.

What’s important to remember is that the arena is part of Bonita’s identity. This community has deep equestrian roots, and places like this don’t just represent a facility; they represent history, lifestyle, and tradition. If the Bonita community wants it, then maybe it should stay. But maybe it should also evolve.

Looking at the arena and the supporting building, it’s easy to imagine more happening there. A small rodeo. A weekend horse show. A family-friendly community event that brings people together. Bonita could use more moments like that. We used to be a place where fun community events were part of the rhythm of life, and it feels like we’ve drifted from that a bit.

A Bonita Rodeo? That actually sounds perfect.

As the master plan moves forward and public input continues, this is the time for residents to speak up, not just about what should stay or go, but about how spaces like Rohr Park can better serve the community. Whether you’re for preserving the arena, improving athletic fields, or finding a way to do both, one thing is clear: Bonita works best when decisions reflect the voices of the people who call it home.

Let us know on Facebook what you think? Would you like to see this removed and more athletic fields added to the space? We will keep you posted on the updated design of Rohr Park, so stay tuned.