By Sophia Fischersfischer@theacorn.com

The scenic 326-acre, openspace parcel known as Rancho Potrero, which includes the Two Winds Ranch public equestrian center, has long been of concern to residents and city leaders. On Tuesday, members of the Thousand Oaks City Council, Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD) and city staff met in the first of a series of meetings to discuss ownership, management issues and a conceptual plan for the property.

Located south of Lynn Road opposite Rancho Dos Vientos Drive in Newbury Park, the land is adjacent to private and National Park Service property and is literally “at the edge of urban development and undeveloped area,” according to John Prescott, the city’s community development manager.

Land has historically brought out all kinds of emotions in people, from those who view it as a gift to be protected to those who see property as an opportunity.

Several residents expressed their passion for the property, a picturesque blend of hills, ridgelines and grassy slopes.

“I think it’s a gem. It’s a beautiful natural resource,” said Jocelyn Devault of Newbury Park. “I hope we can all work together to save all of the parcels.”

A conceptual plan presented during Tuesday’s meeting includes creating picnic areas, outdoor classrooms, new trails and maintaining a public equestrian center. Adding parking areas would make the property more accessible to people, said Councilmember Jacqui Irwin.

“One thing we all agree on is that this is a pretty spectacular piece of property that belongs to our constituents,” said Tex Ward, CRPD general manager.

How the property is ultimately owned is of pressing concern.

Rancho Potrero was purchased in 1993 by the city, the CRPD and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) and held in trust by the MRCA to save the city and parks from having to pay property tax. The city put up $1 million and the park district paid $1.9 million. The MRCA leases the property to the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA), an agency created by the city and the CRPD to conserve open space. Discussion during the meeting focused on ownership of the property being granted to COSCA.

“COSCA is a safe place to put ownership because we share it,” said CRPD Chair Mike Berger, referring to the city and CRPD both being on COSCA’s board. “I’m comfortable with that.”

Ownership must be resolved for the city to move ahead with creating a plan to upgrade Two Winds Ranch, something the municipality is committed to, according to Mayor Claudia Bill-de la Peña. The plan must be completed by next March under the terms of an agreement with the Operating Engineers Pension Trust, which owns Site I, a parcel within Rancho Potrero.

The city is currently promised $2.5 million toward the cost of construction upgrades by the Operating Engineers in trade for being allowed to construct three estates on Site I. If the city can’t move forward on the plan, that money may be lost.

The city had tried to purchase Site I but was unable to reach an agreement with the Operating Engineers.

The next meeting will be conducted at 7 a.m. Thurs., July 21 in the city manager’s conference room at city hall in the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. The issue is also expected to be on the agenda for the July 13 COSCA meeting, and the July 26 city council meeting.