A two-story wooden judges’ stand overlooks an old Ramona rodeo arena on the former Davis-Eagle Ranch, now part of the county-owned Ramona Grasslands Preserve off Montecito Way. John Degenfelder, a member of the Ramona Trails Association, has spearheaded a project to renovate the abandoned arena for equestrian and dog shows and possibly other activities. He estimates the arena to be at least 60 years old. County Parks and Recreation Department staff have been working at the site to remove approximately 300 concrete footings with metal brackets that were once attached to bleachers.
From left, Travis Payne, county park ranger for the grasslands, operates a tractor to uproot the concrete footings while David Bresnahan, park attendant for the preserve, gives direction.
Eli Espino operates a backhoe with a jackhammer to break apart the concrete, and the metal brackets, below, accumulate in a pile. Ramona Disposal is donating the use of dumpsters to dispose of the concrete and metal.
Sentinel photos/Karen Brainard
