【ANN NEWS, ARCADIA】 As preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics move forward, a proposed project related to the Olympic equestrian events in Arcadia, Southern California, has recently sparked controversy in the community. Santa Anita Park has applied to remove 34 protected oak trees to build the cross-country course for Olympic eventing and plans to enter the protected root zones of another 45 oak trees during construction.
According to information from the City of Arcadia, the applications are Protected Healthy Tree Removal Permit No. TRH 26-11 and Protected Tree Encroachment Permit No. TRE 26-09. The project proposes removing 34 protected oak trees and planting 34 replacement trees as a mitigation measure.
On August 27, the City of Arcadia held a community meeting with Santa Anita Park and the LA28 team to present the project proposal and hear residents’ views. Many residents voiced clear opposition at the meeting.
ABC7 reported that local resident Dennis Cosso said some of the oak trees may be about 150 years old. Other residents expressed concern that the large-scale removal of mature oak trees could affect local wildlife habitat. Opponents said they would continue exploring various ways to stop the current proposal.
Another major reason the trees have drawn attention is that oak trees themselves are protected under Arcadia city regulations. Under City of Arcadia rules, certain Engelmann oaks, coast live oaks and other oak trees that meet specified size requirements cannot be removed, relocated, damaged or have their protected areas encroached upon without the appropriate permits.
Why Does the Olympic Course Have to Go Through This Area?
The equestrian events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will be held at Santa Anita Park, including dressage, jumping and eventing. According to LA28’s latest schedule, the cross-country portion of eventing is scheduled for July 17, 2028.
Santa Anita Park explained that holding the equestrian events at a single venue allows horses and athletes to share facilities including an equine hospital and veterinary services, while also aligning with LA28’s emphasis on using existing venues and improving sustainability. Project representatives also said a professional arborist will be on site to supervise during construction.
Ashlyn Moore, vice president of equestrian operations at Santa Anita Park, said earlier designs could have affected more trees, but the route has since been adjusted in an effort to minimize environmental impacts while ensuring the safety of horses and athletes.
Can 34 New Trees Replace 34 Mature Trees?
This has also become one of the main points of dispute between residents and project representatives. Santa Anita Park has proposed planting 34 replacement trees if the removal of the 34 oak trees is ultimately approved.
Opponents argue that newly planted trees cannot, for a considerable period of time, replace the canopy, ecosystem and wildlife habitat provided by mature oak trees. Some residents are particularly concerned that the loss of oak trees could affect local birds and other wildlife.
Course Planned to Remain in Use After the Olympics
Notably, the cross-country course is not intended to be a temporary facility built solely for the 2028 Olympics. Santa Anita Park said that if the project is completed, the course will remain after the Olympics and could be used for other types of equestrian events in the future.
Santa Anita Park itself also has a long history with the Olympics. It hosted equestrian events during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and the Olympic equestrian competition will return to the historic racetrack in 2028.
No Final Approval Yet
As of August 29, the removal of the 34 oak trees has not been approved. The latest project status on the City of Arcadia website still lists TRH 26-11 as “Pending.”
LA28 also said it is currently working with the City of Arcadia, Santa Anita Park and relevant international equestrian organizations while listening to community feedback, and no final decision has been made on the design of the Olympic eventing cross-country course.
This means that with less than two years remaining before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, how to balance Olympic event construction, the safety of athletes and horses, and the protection of Arcadia’s existing natural environment will remain an issue of ongoing concern for the local community.
