The World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, has been expanding its facilities, including the construction of a new parking lot over a retention pond. This innovative design was created to help manage stormwater runoff effectively and will help to ensure that the area remains functional and environmentally friendly. Once completed, the pond below will capture and filter stormwater, reducing the risk of flooding and improving water quality. This approach is part of a broader trend in sustainable development, where infrastructure is designed to work harmoniously with natural water management systems. 

In early 2024, R.W. Harris, Inc., who specialize in design-build engineering and construction, was selected as the general contractor for this project. Creating a parking lot over a retention pond using large caissons and a vibratory hammer is a complex engineering task that involves several key steps including geotechnical surveying and detailed design. Once this important step was completed, the R.W. Harris team then placed the 36"x70' caissons driven with an ICE® 44B Vibratory Hammer rented from International Construction Equipment, Inc (ICE®). Selected for its reliability and power, the ICE® 44B has the highest frequency and driving force in its class and easily drove the caissons to grade creating the deep foundations required to support the parking lot and drainage system underneath. This was crucial to prevent water from accumulating on the parking lot surface and to ensure proper water flow into the retention pond, allowing for the efficient use of space while maintaining the retention pond's functionality.  

Named one of TIME's 2024 World's Greatest Places, the World Equestrian Center (WEC) features two premier equestrian and multidisciplinary event venues located in Ocala, Florida and Wilmington, Ohio. The WEC is currently the largest equine facility in the U.S., spanning 378 acres (about half the area of Central Park in New York City), hosting a variety of equestrian disciplines, including hunt and jump, dressage, and breed shows. With its extensive facilities and events, it attracts athletes and visitors from around the world, enhancing the global equestrian community and has transformed the city of Ocala into a premier equestrian hub, significantly impacting the local economy. 

The WEC is not just an equestrian center though; it is also a comprehensive destination that combines sport, hospitality, and community, making it a pivotal establishment in the world of equestrian sports. To ensure its premier standing a series of expansions and improvements to accommodate the growing number of visitors and participants is underway, including this recent parking lot construction.  

While the expansion addresses the demand for more parking spaces, reflecting the center's commitment to providing a seamless experience for its guests, it also underscores the center's popularity and its role as a premier destination for equestrian sports, necessitating infrastructure that supports its status and meets the expectations of its international clientele. Congratulations to the entire R.W. Harris team on a job well done. International Construction Equipment is proud to provide the dependable equipment you can rely on for all your deep foundation needs.  

Learn more about the ICE® 44B 

Media Contact-               
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA              
Vice President Marketing, Brand and Media Relations  
Vice President IT and IT Comm          
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc               
Office - 704-821-8200          Email - marketing@iceusa.com