by: Gene Koprowski.
A famous Florida racetrack known for its resident flock
of flamingos may open again as soon as this fall, the son of the park's
owner said this week.
Built in the 1920s, Hileah Park had its last live race in 2001. But it will once again host quarter horse racing in December if possible or in early 2010, said John Brunetti Jr., a spokesman for the track.
The park's planned reopening is a result of a gambling bill Florida's governor signed this week and a change from two years ago when the park's owner feared racing would never return there.
"Looks like we're going to be here for a while," said Brunetti, the park's vice president.
Stpectators may be watching the first races from under tents when the park opens again.
That's because a series of hurricanes and years of neglect have left the park far from ready for spectators. The oval racetrack is covered with grass. A pond surrounding a statue of 1948 Triple Crown winner Citation stands on the track. Restoring the existing structures could cost $60 to $100 million, according to some estimates, though Brunetti said the gambling facility was "still gathering estimates."
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