Gloucester County DREAM Park Opens The Equestrian Facility Boasts Arenas, Rings, Barns and Stables to Boost Tourism to Region

(Logan Twp., NJ) – Gloucester County Freeholders, horse enthusiasts and elected officials gathered today to celebrate the grand opening of the Gloucester County DREAM Park, a premier equestrian facility located along the Delaware River. The DREAM Park opens exactly two-years to the day after construction began on the site in Logan Township.

DREAM stands for Delaware River Equestrian, Agriculture and Marine Park.

“This is a DREAM come true for many people,” said Freeholder Director Stephen M. Sweeney. “This state-of-the-art venue is the most modern equestrian center on the east coast. We already have many people excited to come here for shows and competitions.”

Sweeney said, “The DREAM Park will ultimately boost eco-tourism in our region. The equine industry has a tremendous effect on our state with a $1.1 billion annual impact to the economy, and our region has a large population of equine related businesses, organizations and youth groups.”

Several events for the summer, including the Garden State Paint Horse Club on July 5 and 6, and again on September 27 and 28; and the American Vaulting Association Region IV Championships on July 10, 11, and 12 have already been booked at the DREAM Park.

Freeholder Deputy Director Bob Damminger, liaison to the County’s Office of Land Preservation and the 4-H Extension Services, said, “This park was slated to be a dredge spoil dumping site by the Army Corps of Engineers, but the Freeholders felt strongly that there was a need for parkland in this part of the county. With so many horse clubs and businesses in our region, and the access to the interstate roads, it was a perfect fit for an equestrian facility,” said Damminger.

“This park preserves the county’s open space and converted a brownfield to a wonderful use for residents and visitors to enjoy,” Damminger said.

Freeholder Frank J. DiMarco, liaison to the County’s Department of Parks and Recreation, said, “This new equestrian facility enhances our county’s parks system by adding a unique element to our region. We are going to be able to hold many types of events and programs and activities at the DREAM Park that we don’t currently have available in our other parks.”

DiMarco said that riding trails and therapeutic programs would be available at the DREAM Park in the future. The county’s park system is currently 1,540 acres and includes Red Bank Battlefield Park, James G. Atkinson Memorial Park, Scotland Run Park and Greenwich Lake Park.

The facility features a temperature controlled indoor arena with bleacher seating for 600 spectators, and a separate area for auctions, exhibits, or off season instructional clinics. The building has restrooms and a concession area. The facility also has two barns to accommodate 238 horses, five outdoor rings, one which has state-of-the-art lighting for night events, and designated parking for trailers and RV’s. The DREAM Park also has 44 resident stables with three private warm up and exercise rings.

Phase II of the DREAM Park will feature 200 acres of trails for trail riding and cross country course. Phase II is in the design and permitting phase.

“The trails will take riders along the river and creek for some of the most scenic and breathtaking views,” said Freeholder Director Sweeney. “It is really a beautiful location and we encourage everyone to come out and visit.”

Sweeney said, “This project has been complex and many people have worked on it t to get us where we are today and I want to thank and remember them. This park was originally the vision of Freeholder Jim Atkinson and Jim Yates. Both of these men loved the land, they were horse lovers and farmers and they knew that this project was what the people of Gloucester County wanted. I want to thank Ann Dorsett, a respected member of the Equine Advisory Board for New Jersey and horse farm owner for more than 35 years, who has always supported this project, and all of the horse enthusiasts who have been supportive and excited to see this park open,” Freeholder Director Sweeney remarked.

For more information on facility rentals organizations can contact Lauren Viereck at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (856)241-1415 ext. 103.