mow, fertilize, and clear the paths year-round for visitors who are
hiking, biking, walking dogs, skiing, or riding their horses.”
The pathways, packed dirt and grass, are wide and well-mowed,
making the park a safe and pleasurable venue for horseback riding.
Vision is clear and visitors are polite, making way for each other
whether on horses, with leashed dogs, or running their own 10K.
The parking lot is enormous, with plenty of space to turn around
and park.
Anderson feels that Pleasant Ridge is an ideal venue for
horseback riders of all ages and experience levels. “I lead 4-H rides
here for kids as young as 8 years old and adults in their 60s,” she
says. “No matter the confidence level, riders on horseback here feel
safe and protected.”
Anderson shares her thoughts on other benefits the park offers.
“The trails are wide enough that we can ride our horses side-by-side
and talk as we clip along,” she notes. They traverse diverse scenery,
fields, meadows, wetlands, and woods with a wooden bridge that
can be crossed by those confident enough to give it a try.
One of her favorite seasons to saddle up and head to the park is
autumn. “This is a place of silence and solitude in the fall,” she says.
“Orange, yellow, and rust leaves swirl through the air and blanket
the pathways in a cornucopia of color.” n
GETTING THERE
RACCOON PARK
Springfield Township
Old Lake Road, East Springfield
814.922.3274
Open every day 7 a.m. to dusk
www.facebook.com/raccoonparkeriecountypa
PLEASANT RIDGE PARK
8289 Barker Road, Fairview
Fairview Parks and Recreation Authority
814.474.5077
Open every day dawn to dusk
www.fairviewtownship.com
In the saddle of her Black Morgan, Meredith captures the well-
groomed trails. Her mother, Trill Dreistadt, on her Thoroughbred
Hunter, of Pleasant Ridge Park in Fairview Township. Photo by
Meredith Dreistadt.
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From (l to r): Alexa Ruland, Michele Ruland, Madison Anderson
and Ayla Ruland (halt their horses by the David M. Roderick
Wildlife Reserve monument on the banks of Lake Erie at
Raccoon Park in East Springfield.