President's Letter

It’s time to “Pony Up” for the Mounted Unit!

On Monday, October 31st, the Philadelphia Police Foundation was thrilled to join with the Philadelphia Police Department to announce the construction plans for the recently restored Mounted Patrol Unit home stable and headquarters in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park. This exciting news has come about thanks to an agreement struck between the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Police Foundation.

The agreement with the City will allow the Foundation to build a $1.2-million stable complex on City-owned land in the vicinity of McCarthy Stables on Chamounix Drive in Fairmount Park. Upon completion of construction, the Foundation will turn the complex over to the City. We have been working with the City for many months to identify the best location for a new home for the police horses. I know I speak for all of the Directors of the Philadelphia Police Foundation, in thanking the City for their cooperation and support on this very important and vital project that will provide a state-of-the-art home for the police horses, which are so effective in keeping our streets safe and secure.

We are sincerely grateful to be joined in this endeavor by the leadership and members of the trade unions in Philadelphia. We thank all the unions for their interest, cooperation and pro bono participation in this community project.

Final design plans are currently in the works, but the steel structure will be approximately 13,088 square feet. The barn will house horse stalls, feed stalls, and a shed row at the perimeter. There will be four temperature-treated tack rooms, and three wash stalls, complete with indoor plumbing. The facility will be outfitted with the latest electric and fire suppression technology. The project will be under the watchful eye of Lauren McMenamin, Project Manager, Parx Casino & Racetrack, who is also providing pro bono services.

In addition, the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association is donating horse trailers and stable planning assistance; horse tack, including saddles, bridles/bits, saddle pads, blankets, and assorted leather gear; and a connection with the “Turning for Home Foundation,” which is donating rescued former racehorses for training. We also thank The Last Chance Ranch, Doylestown, PA, for their help in identifying, repurposing and training horses for the Mounted Patrol Unit.

So now it’s time to “Pony Up” – visit our donation page for more information about how you can help build a home for the Police Mounted Patrol Unit!