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Oct 28, 2009 6:09 pm US/Eastern
Historic Hialeah Race Track Set To Reopen Soon
HIALEAH (CBS4) ―
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Hialeah Park was a gem of the 1920's, but it closed in 2001. It's set to reopen on November 28th, 2009.
CBS
A South Florida landmark is getting ready for a grand re-opening. In one month, one of the nation's most historic racetracks, Hialeah Park, is scheduled to reopen.
The Hialeah Park Race track, which first opened in the 1920s but has been a ghost town for years; now has new signs of life again.
Renovations to the facility are in full swing to meet a November 28th deadline. That's when horses are scheduled to take back the track; the last action at the park was in 2001.
It's been a major undertaking for owner John Brunetti Jr. who says it has taken 10 million dollars just to begin the rehab to open the gates again.
"This is only the first phase is to restore the clubhouse facility to resume racing and there will be additional improvements in future years," Brunetti told CBS4's Sharrie Williams. "There will be additional improvements in future years."
Improvements that are projected to cost upwards 40 to 50 million if the interest and commitment is there. Florida state legislators who fought to revive the park were on hand for Wednesday's tour of the facility's progress.
Once its reopen, lawmakers hope to push for casino gaming which supporters say will be an economic engine for creating thousands of jobs.
"In today's climate there can't be a Hialeah Park that does not include poker, simulcasting and slot machines," said Rep. Esteban Bovo, a Republican whose district includes the city of Hialeah.
Rep. Erik Fresen agrees.
"This entire walk through that we're doing right now is part of what I like to call the 'accountability tour' which we come every couple of months and make sure that we as legislators stay accountable to the people for the vote that we took but as well as the park is also moving forward," said Fresen.
Once famous for its flamingos, the historic landmark's landscape is being restored to its original beauty. And as the pink birds fly once more, state leaders hope the success of other race tracks will be the case in Hialeah especially at a time when jobs are scarce.
"Calder Race Course brings jobs to my district, for my residents, so any place that produce the type of jobs that Calder has will be beneficial for Dade county," explained Rep. Oscar Braynon.
November 28th is the first day of races. It will have 8 races with 8 to 10 horses per race.
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