This week’s Park County commissioners meeting on May 3 was packed by 3:15 p.m., when it was time to consider a Special Use Permit (SUP) for the Go Momma Go arena. The arena is located approximately 3 miles south of Powell on Road 16.

Julie and Steve Thompson, owners of the arena, were granted an SUP at the May 3 meeting. The permit allows them to host equine events such as barrel racing, cattle sorting and cuttings, and livestock shows.

The Thompsons had a home-arena built nearly a decade ago for personal use. Five years ago, they started offering it to the public for equine events — mainly barrel racing.

In order to legally host events at their arena, the Thompsons needed an SUP. They ran into problems attaining the permit because no more than two SUPs are allowed for a single property. The Thompsons already had two special permits for the production and packaging of commodities such as corn, wheat and barley.

“I don’t understand why we ever had a two [SUP] limit per person and moving forward with the land use plan, I definitely want to see that rebuked,” Commissioner Lloyd Thiel said. “I think we have no business not allowing the public to diversify to the best of their ability.… Who are we to judge what that [land] is best used for?”

Judging from the packed room, the Thompsons received overwhelming support for the Go Momma Go arena. Not only did the planning and zoning committee receive numerous letters in favor of the arena, but community members came to the meeting to support the Thompson family. 

In a letter of support sent to the planning and zoning committee, Michelle Brenner wrote:

“My daughters and I have attended [Go Momma Go barrel races] in the past many times. The atmosphere of these races warms my heart. It is a great place to spend the day where everyone supports each other and is willing to help with whatever is needed. Everyone cheers everyone else on and it’s fun for the whole family.”

The SUP request was originally brought up at the April 19 commissioners meeting. However, after concerns arose about public safety with the parking lot, the commissioners felt it would be best to hold off on a motion until another meeting. 

A primary concern raised by Commissioner Lee Livingston is that the contestant parking is located across the street from the arena. This means contestants and their animals will have to cross Park County Lane 11 1/2 to get to and from the arena. Livingston expressed strong concerns about the possibility of a nervous horse crossing the road and causing an accident. He suggested requiring a fence to ensure safety for drivers and horses. However, other commissioners voiced opinions that property owners should not have to erect a mandatory fence on the opposite side of the road.

Park County Engineer Brian Edwards said he was primarily concerned about slowing down oncoming traffic during equine events held at the location.

“[Public works] is tasked with public safety of the roadway, that’s kind of our number one thing we center everything [around],” Edwards said. “What I think we have in our office wouldn’t be concerns, but reservations — something that we feel like we need to keep an eye on. What worries me is my reservations becoming concerns five, 10 years from now.”

The commissioners motioned to approve the SUP with a recommendation the Thompsons add a fence to the contestant parking area, with one opening to cross. However, the fence addition is only a recommendation.

The commissioners also added they have the right to revisit the SUP if a concern for public safety arises. 

“It’s been a long battle and it shouldn’t have been,” Julie Thompson said. “I’m really excited to be able to host events legally. I’m sure we can come up with something with the public works department that will be acceptable, probably something very similar to what we had before.”