Griffith Park Pony Rides Closing, Council Statement, And Things You Need To Know About Griffith Park Pony Rides.

Griffith Park Pony Rides Closing

Griffith Park Pony Rides will be closing its doors to visitors on December 21, 2022, and cease operations. Steve Weeks, the park's owner, stated that he received a letter from Los Angeles Recreation and Parks stating that the park's contract had not been exceeded.

In a Facebook post, Steve said: "It is with much sadness that I announce that Griffith Park Pony Rides will be ceasing operations December 21, 2022. I have received a letter from Los Angeles Recreation and Parks stating that our contract will not be renewed. After 74 years serving the children and parents of Los Angeles, this iconic institution will be closed forever by order of the city. I am determined to find homes for our ponies with qualified horse people who will care as much about our ponies as I do. If you are interested in providing a home please message me."

Council Statement

The Department of Recreation and Parks confirmed that the city had decided not to renew the park's contract over the weekend.

"At the request of the City Council, the Department will undertake a community input process to re-imagine the recreational and educational activities offered at this location in Griffith Park to continue providing youth and families an affordable and enjoyable experience," the statement read (via LA Times).

The department has not stated why the park was closed, but the decision follows recent protests from animal welfare activists.

Things You Need To Know About Griffith Park Pony Rides

Griffith Park Pony Rides and Petting Zoo has been serving children and parents since it opened its doors in 1948. The park encompasses 4,200 acres of natural terrain and is rich in greenery and trees such as California oak trees, wild sage, and manzanita. In 2017, the state-of-the-art facility was redesigned with large pasture corrals for the ponies, video surveillance systems, and other new features. The park was also a popular location for birthday parties, and both Los Angeles residents and visitors from other cities frequented it.