Conejo Recreation and Park District hears suggestions from residents
By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com
Adding shade trees and restrooms to the equestrian park were suggestions made by horse advocate Marilee Ullmann during one of three Conejo Recreation and Park District strategy planning meetings that heard from the public last week.

Kyle Brazell came to ask for more places to play soccer.

General Manager Jim Friedl and his staff were on hand to present information about the local parks and to listen to what residents would like to see in future parks.

Although in the past they had expressed concern about permanent restrooms in parks because of safety issues and the cost of upkeep, residents now are ready to see more restrooms at park sites, Friedl said.

"The most vocal group were advocates of Lang Ranch Community Park," he said.

Residents are anxious to see 46 acres of the 120-acre area around Erbes Road and Avenida de Los Arboles developed into the ponds, baseball diamonds, community center and picnic areas that have already been rendered in artists' sketches. Right now the cost is estimated at about $23 million.

"We heard we need more turf around," Friedl said.

That doesn't necessarily mean soccer fields or baseball fields, but rather big open fields that could have multiple uses.

Such a field is Conejo Creek South Park, where Conejo Valley Days has been held each year. At the March 28 meeting CVUSD Assistant Superintendent Jeffrey Baarstad noted that when a new school is built on that site, it will affect CVD parking and a new place may be needed for the event.

"I enjoy Conejo Valley Days, but it really ruins that field for soccer," Brazell said.

Baarstad also said fewer children in the community will result in school closures, and the parks department may be able to use some of the closed facilities for community centers.

One surprise at the meetings was the large group of advocates that came out for a Frisbee golf course that could fit into an existing park, Friedl said.

The CRPD was created in 1963, the year before the city was founded. More than 60 park facilities and 88 fulltime employees make up the district, one of the largest in the state.

Over 3,000 classes are taught annually. None of them are cooking classes for adults. Those classes and more skateboarding classes were suggested during a planning meeting.

"Our parks strengthen our community's image, protect our natural resources and provide a safe place for children to play and be creative. Our district helps seniors to be active and to contribute," Friedl said. "Parks have a positive effect on our local economy, they keep up our property values and prevent crime by keeping our youth engaged."

Conejo Recreation and Park District has a

$15.5-million annual budget. $1 million is spent each year to water the parks.