West Hempstead's New York Equestrian Center to Hold Grand Opening

The newly renovated New York Equestrian Center, formerly known as Lakewood Stables, will hold its grand opening ceremony on April 20 and 21.

The weekend event will include "tours, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, equine demonstrations and the facility’s first horse show," according to Newsday [paid link].

The grand opening was originally scheduled for 2012, but was delayed due to Hurricane Sandy and the long-lasting winter weather, Newsday reported.

"Lakewood Stables was something that opened seven years ago. It was a small stable, outdoors and quite frankly, dilapidated," owner Alex Jacobson told Patch.

Jacobson had originally purchased the property in 2006 with the intent to demolish the stables and build condos on the land. However, afterlearning of the community's love for the stables, its history and uniqueness -- it's the only one remaining on the South Shore of Nassau County -- he had a change of heart and decided to go into the equine business instead.

The new energy-efficient and climate-controlled facility will house a 30,000-square-foot enclosed riding arena, 53 new stalls, a 7,000-square-foot mezzanine with 99 seats, and 40 on-site parking spots.

"Now, we are the New York Equestrian Center, because we're able to house all these major events," he added. "We're going to be a center for horses and for the public. It's a much bigger endeavor."