A community that opened in southwest Ocala nearly five years ago has plans to add a new equestrian facility that will feature barns, arenas, and paddocks.
Calesa Township, the master-planned family community in southwest Ocala, filed plans with the county earlier this year to construct its new equine amenity on a multi-acre parcel along SW 38th Street in Ocala.
Developed by Colen Built Development and the owners of On Top of the World Communities, the organizations recently submitted updated engineering and site plan documentation for the proposed facility to the Marion County Development Review Committee.
The application, officially titled Calesa Equine Amenity, was filed by civil engineering firm Kimley-Horn and Associates on behalf of the developer. The major site plan submittal includes requests for project waivers regarding local stormwater management standards under the Marion County Land Development Code.
The filing represents the latest expansion of recreational infrastructure within the multi-acre development, designed to integrate horse-centric facilities directly into the neighborhood’s master plan.
First announced in early 2020 by On Top of the World CEO Ken Colen, Calesa Township was conceptualized as a non-age-restricted alternative to the developer’s 55+ active adult communities. Spanning approximately 1,850 acres in southwest Ocala, the township has potential to house 5,000 single-family and multi-family residences upon full buildout.
The amenities contribute to the “live-work-play” philosophy embraced by the community, which also prioritizes pedestrian movement, family wellness, and natural preservation.
The community layout also features yoga pavilions, resort-style pools, splash pads, soccer fields, basketball courts, and dedicated dog parks.
The addition of an equine amenity aligns with the original vision articulated by Colen, who emphasized the importance of maintaining a direct human connection with nature, citing local green spaces like Shalom Park as proof of concept.
The site plan for the proposed equestrian amenity will continue through the Marion County Development Review Committee process for technical evaluation before moving toward potential site preparation and construction.
What are your thoughts on Calesa Township adding a dedicated equine amenity to its family community? Share your perspective in a comment below or write a letter to the editor.