The Conejo Recreation and Park District will officially open Northwood Neighborhood Park with a ribbon-cutting and games from noon to 1:30 p.m. Sat., Nov. 21 at 3619 Avenida Verano, Thousand Oaks.

The activities will include bocce ball, kite flying, croquet and disc golf. The district will provide hot dogs, snacks and beverages.

The park has been in development for several years. After community focus group input and community meetings, the district board unanimously approved the park Master Plan in November 2001. Landmark Design, a local design consulting firm, prepared a site plan and construction documents. With the cooperation of the community and the city, further revisions were made, and Phase I of the project started in October 2008.

Phase I included primarily grading, turf, irrigation and a walking path at the approximately 8-acre park. Work was completed in October by Damar Construction for nearly $900,000.

Phase II will construct picnic areas with barbecues and exercise stations and also provide a rubberized surface from recycled tires on the walking path. These features are scheduled for construction in summer 2010. The district has received $170,000 in grant money to continue with Phase II.

Phase III will have playground areas, a volleyball and basketball court, horseshoes, parking and a restroom. The final phase is planned for construction in two to three years.