Tropical Park stands on the grounds of the former Tropical Park Race Track, which was part of the Southern Florida circuit with Hialeah Park and Gulfstream Park and held the first meet of its season when northern tracks were closed for the winter. The track opened in December 1931 and closed in January 1972. Miami-Dade County converted the land into a public park in 1979, and it became one of the county’s most popular recreational resources. Tropical Park remains one of south Florida’s premier showcase venues for equestrian events. In recognition of its historical ties to the horse racing industry, Tropical Park is the site of the Ronald Reagan Equestrian Center. With two grass courses and three state-of-the-art arenas covered with steel roofs, the center hosts national and international Paso Fino horse shows every year, including the Spectrum International, hosted by the Florida Paso Fino Horse Association. The annual highlight is the Miami International Agriculture, Horse and Cattle Show, which draws over 50,000 attendees each year.