DEL MAR, Calif. (KGTV) — Life at the Del Mar Fairgrounds could look much different in the future, finding uses for more than horse racing and the county fair.
Tuesday night will be the second of three community meetings, in which the fairgrounds will ask the community for input on what the future of the venue should look like.
Del Mar Deputy Mayor Terry Gaasterland said the uses can fulfill several regional desires.
"We also have a responsibility for working with Solana Beach and San Diego and the entire region," Gaasterland said. "How does this fairgrounds meet not just the needs, but the wishes and the wants and the dreams of the San Diego region?"
And things are already changing. The Surf Side Race Place is being transformed into an entertainment venue. KAABOO left Del Mar for downtown last year. This year, will be mark the end of fairgrounds gun show. And racing has seen a decline in revenue and attendance.
"Can the fairgrounds be a leader in doing the racing? Well, that's going to be a real challenge for the fairgrounds," Gaasterland said.
Gaasterland would like to see affordable housing and hopes a planned rail stop at the fairgrounds would eliminate the need for parking.
A fairgrounds spokesperson says once all three meetings are done feedback from the community will be compiled and presented to the board for consideration.
