Equestrian Season Preview La Fe’s Winifred Branscum on U.S. Polo Assn. Field One at the National Polo Center in Wellington. © DAVID LOMINSKA
NATIONAL POLO CENTER OFFERS A PRISTINE SETTING FOR POLO AND MUCH MORE As the summer gives way to cooler temperatures, the equestrian world eagerly awaits the upcoming 2024 winter season in Wellington. At the National Polo Center (NPC), fields and facilities have been upgraded in preparation for hosting American polo’s most prestigious tournaments and events. The 161-acre property, acquired by the United States Polo Association (USPA) in June 2022, continues to undergo transformative changes, promising an exceptional experience for both polo enthusiasts and the public. Top-
notch facilities include six regulationsized polo fields, a grandstand, restaurant, café, clubhouse, swimming pool, gym and tennis courts, making it much more than just a hub for world-class equestrian competition. Reflecting on the previous season, the USPA and NPC have initiated numerous improvements to elevate the club and provide visitors with a premium experience. As a result, NPC has restored Field Two to a grass field from the previous arena and plans to install an electronic scoreboard at the field’s south end.
Improvements extend to the facility’s entrance, stadium and parking areas, which have been refinished with a new subsurface, pavement and paint. All five fields are now on a scheduled maintenance program and receive extensive fertilizing, watering and aerating throughout the year. As Palm Beach County’s largest equestrian center, NPC is keeping sustainability at the forefront of its mission and has adopted eco-friendly practices, such as water conservation and waste reduction, to preserve and protect Wellington’s natural beauty. wellington the magazine | november 2023 27