Historic racetrack may reopen
HIALEAH (AP) – A historic Florida racetrack known for its flock of flamingos could open again as soon as December, the son of the park’s owner said Monday.
Hialeah Park, which was built in the 1920s and had its last live race in 2001, will begin quarter horse racing in December if possible or in early 2010, said John Brunetti Jr.
The park’s planned reopening is a result of a gambling bill Florida’s governor signed Monday and a change from two years ago when the park’s owner said racing would likely never return.
“Looks like we’re going to be here for a while,” said Brunetti, the park’s vice president.
Still, spectators may be watching the first races from under tents when the park reopens. That’s because a series of hurricanes and years of neglect have left the park far from ready for spectators. Grass covers the oval racetrack. Pink and white striped awnings have holes. And a pond surrounding a statue of 1948 Triple Crown winner Citation stands dry. Just restoring the existing structures could cost $60 to $100 million, according to some estimates, though Brunetti said the park was “still gathering estimates.”
Even in disrepair, however, the park retains many of its grand elements. Chandeliers in an entranceway to the stands have spokes hanging at awkward angles like broken bones, but a circular stained glass window of three flamingos looks untouched. And the flamingos themselves, which flew over the track, still live at the park. On Monday, the view of them was obscured by overgrown hedges.
“They’ll become more visible once we cut the brush,” Brunetti said.
Eventually the Brunetti family hopes to convert a part of the grandstands to a gambling area as well as build an addition for the games. A drawing shows an area for a hotel, though how big it would be is still in discussion, Brunetti said.
The plans are possible because of a gambling bill Gov. Charlie Crist signed Monday before visiting the track, where he stood by the statue of Citation.