Palm Desert Bumped From Pentathlon Because Of Costs, Organizer Says

The equestrian portion of the 2012 U.S. World Cup Pentathlon could have cost organizers up to $150,000 if they opted to use Palm Desert’s .

“We are in our infancy. We don’t have a lot of money. We’re trying to recruit sponsors,’’ said Michelle Strauss, CEO of the 2012 U.S. Pentathlon World Cup, which is set for Feb. 20-26.

The modern pentathlon features fencing, swimming, equestrian jumping, shooting and running,

She said organizers hoped to hold most of the pentathlon in Palm Desert by fencing off Civic Center Park for the equestrian event, and using the new $7.7 million Aquatic Center, which is set to open Saturday, June 25.

Xavier College Preparatory High School had offered to host the fencing element of the pentathlon for free, Strauss said.

According to Palm Desert spokesman David Hermann, the cost of the fencing and restoring the grassy area and ball fields at the park was estimated at about $150,000.

“We said the park would have to be restored with whatever damage was done,’’ Hermann said, adding that the council would have had to vote on whether to cover the cost.

City Manager John Wohlmuth said Thursday that organizers asked for screening around the center, "which goes against the safety of the pool because police want to be able to look in through the fence."

The February 2011 event, which drew 150 international athletes to the Coachella Valley, was broadcast on ESPN-3.

Strauss hopes to keep the event in the Coachella Valley. The Palm Springs community pool has offered the use of its facilities for free, she said a venue in Charlotte, N.C. is also in the running.

"This is our first one here (in the United States) since 1999. You’re granted it, like you are granted an Olympic Games,’’ she said.

She said she hopes to possibly consider Palm Desert as a future venue, but right now the cost is too much.

"We’re going to go with a venue that is cost effective,'' Strauss said.