Reminder For Laurel Park Residents

Now that the transition of horses and backstretch employees from Pimlico Race Course to Laurel Park is complete, the Maryland Jockey Club, through its Security Department, would like to remind the community of policies related to dormitory rooms.

Any employee who leaves the backstretch for vacations, temporary relocation at another racetrack, or travel for visas and other immigration-related reasons, etc., is required to give the Security Department advance notice. Upon departure, all room keys should be left with Security.

For those who do not return within 21 days, their room will be cleaned and the contents of the room removed. Security has noted that given the increase in the number of backstretch employees since the closure of the Pimlico stable area, dormitory rooms are at a premium and there is a waiting list for occupancy. Though horses from Pimlico have been relocated, other horsemen have requested stalls at Laurel for the fall and winter, and they will be bringing employees with them to Maryland.

It is in the best interests of all residents who plan to be away longer than 21 days to make arrangements for storage of their belongings and to assure there is a room available upon their return. 

For those employees who have a mailbox in the Laurel Recreation Room and expect to be away for an extended period of time, they should leave their key, along with the mailbox number if it is not on the key, at the MTHA office on the backstretch. The MTHA is reviewing its current mailbox policy and will notify the backstretch community of any changes in the future.

The addition of backstretch employees has led the MJC and MTHA to devise a plan to expand upon existing facilities in the barn area. Work is underway to provide an additional “kitchen” that would allow residents to prepare and cook their own food; additional space for microwave ovens; repurposing of a lounge to expand the number of shower stalls; portable bathrooms that would be located in strategic areas; and storage sheds to free up space in barns.

Regarding environmental protection matters, the Maryland Department of the Environment has issued strict guidelines for the disposal of wastewater in the Laurel stable area, particularly concerning the hosing down of asphalt and concrete surfaces. The backstretch community is urged to refrain from hosing down asphalt and concrete surfaces on the backstretch and instead use designated wash areas that are properly equipped to handle wastewater disposal; ensure that all members of your team are aware of the regulations and understand the importance of proper wastewater management; and, if you notice any improper disposal practices, report them immediately to prevent further MDE involvement and fines.

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