Preserving Land. Celebrating Community. Advancing Tradition.
Great Meadow is a 374-acre open space in the heart of Virginia’s Horse and Hunt Country. This land is preserved forever for public use, community gatherings, and equestrian sport. Under the stewardship of the Great Meadow Foundation, the property is managed as both a nonprofit conservation organization and a premier event center serving hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
The Foundation
The Great Meadow Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving open space, advancing equestrian excellence, and enriching the community through accessible outdoor events.
As the steward of this conserved landscape, the Foundation ensures that Great Meadow remains protected in perpetuity—sustaining its beauty, purpose, and public benefit for future generations.
Through thoughtful management and community partnership, the Foundation supports a wide range of activities including equestrian competitions, cultural festivals, field sports, educational programs, and free community events that invite everyone to experience Great Meadow.
The Event Center
Great Meadow Event Center, also known as Great Meadow, operates as the venue and gathering place within the Foundation’s stewardship. It provides a world-class setting for public and private events of all kinds—from the Virginia Gold Cup races and polo tournaments to concerts, festivals, and celebrations.
All event proceeds directly support the Foundation’s mission to preserve and enhance the property for community benefit, ensuring that every event held at Great Meadow helps sustain the open space it depends upon.
Our History
Great Meadow was founded through the vision of Arthur W. “Nick” Arundel, a journalist, philanthropist, and conservationist who, in 1983, purchased an abandoned farm slated for development and transformed it into a permanent green space for the community.
With the help of 100 Founding Life Members and community supporters, the land was placed under conservation easement and established as Great Meadow—a place where the traditions of sport, community, and open land would endure forever.
Today, Great Meadow stands as one of the nation’s most recognized outdoor venues—a living legacy of preservation, community spirit, and Virginia heritage.
