Carbondale Reporter

Sen. Dale Fowler celebrated the start of a construction project in Giant City, stating, "The enclosed facility is expected to significantly improve Giant City riders’ experience," in a Sept. 16 Facebook post.

"Today we gathered at Giant City State Park to celebrate the groundbreaking of the enclosed arena at Giant City Stables," said Fowler, State Senator, according to Facebook. "This project, funded partly by a $200,000 member initiative grant I secured through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), will allow the organization to offer therapeutic horseback riding services year-round. The remaining funding for the construction was secured with funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the Illinois Conservation Foundation, and various donations through private partnerships, including a contribution from Laborers' International Union Local 773. The enclosed facility is expected to significantly improve Giant City riders' experience by allowing for year-round operations and offering greater privacy for therapeutic riding lessons, all while preserving the dignity of clients and their families."

According to Fowler, "For over 39 years, Giant City Stables has provided therapeutic riding to individuals with disabilities, including veterans, children, and adults. Through a partnership with the Marion VA, Giant City Stables has been offering equine therapeutic riding services to area veterans since 2014. The new enclosed arena will allow these services to continue into the winter months, providing essential support for Southern Illinois veterans. The arena project is expected to be completed in early 2025."

Screenshot of Sen. Dale Fowler's Sept. 16 Facebook post | Senator Dale Fowler's Facebook page

Giant City Stables is located within Giant City State Park, south of Carbondale. The stables offer opportunities for guided trail rides, therapeutic riding sessions, lessons, and horse camps. Guided trail and pony rides last about an hour as participants explore the state park through 3.2 miles of trails. The stables have offered therapeutic riding sessions since 1995 and provide lessons for individuals who are either new to riding or wish to become more comfortable on horseback.

"This initiative has always been about ensuring access to essential services for those within our region who need it most, including veterans," said Fowler. "This enclosed arena will bring real opportunities to the Stables and the people it serves." He added that thanks to support from state, local, and community partners, the facility will soon offer year-round services, expanding programming and ensuring uninterrupted operations at Giant City Stables.

Fowler represents constituents from Illinois' 59th Senate District. His official Senate biography states that before joining the state senate, he served as mayor of Harrisburg. He is currently a business development officer for People’s National Bank in Harrisburg after retiring from the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice in 2012. His previous political and civic experience includes roles as a city commissioner and as a Saline County Board member. Fowler also chairs the Midland Institute’s Saline County CEO program, which focuses on educating youths about entrepreneurial opportunities.