Conejo Community Center and Park Assessment Project
Vision and Mission
Our vision is to enhance the qualities of this unique facility for the benefit of the community while retaining the "spirit" of Conejo Community Center and Park.Â
Our mission is to plan for the replacement of Conejo Community Center and renovate the Park as necessary through a comprehensive assessment process by engaging the public, stakeholders, and staff.
Project Description
The existing wood-framed Community Center, just over 7,000 square feet in total, was built in 1965 by local volunteer efforts. Most of the 36.4-acre property for Conejo Community Park, also known as "Dover and Hendrix", was transferred from Ventura County to the Conejo Recreation and Park District in 1972. The rolling hillside park is host to the popular Summer Concerts in the Park series held in the sloped lawn amphitheater and also boasts diverse recreation programming, scenic reservable facilities, picnic areas, and a ballfield.
The project proposes to replace the existing 7,000 SF building with a new 19,000 SF building. The proposed new building will be constructed to be a Community Resiliency Center while providing year-round recreational programs and classes, as well as the ability to serve as an evacuation shelter for the community.
Past Community Outreach Meeting Notices(click each document title to open)
Notices were mailed to 660 residents who live approximately 1000' from the park and emailed to parties interested in the project.
Should you have further questions that are not answered here, feel free to contact Andrew Mooney, Parks and Planning Director, at [email protected] or 805-381-1218.
Join our email mailing list! Email your name and address and we will keep you up-to-date.
Initial community input meetings held
Survey is made available for public participation
February 2020
Additional community input meetings held to review concept plans and guiding priorities as established by prior community input
March 2020
CRPD Board reviews initial concept plan and authorizes staff to advertise for RFP of architectural services
June 2020
CRPD Board reviews concept plan and approves contract for architectural services
November 2020
Additional community input meetings held to review schematic plans
CRPD Board reviews schematic plans and approves amendment to contract for further architectural services
May 2021
Additional community input meetings held to review design development plans
Notice of Intent to consider the adoption of an Initial Study-Mitigated Negative Declaration of the project (IS/MND)
June 2021
CRPD Board adopts MND for the project and approves amendment to contract for further architectural services
Summer 2021-Fall 2024
CRPD staff coordinates with City of Thousand Oaks Planning staff for local planning approvals
November 2024
City of Thousand Oaks Planning Commission approval
Beyond
Phase 1 Improvements - Construction Mid-2025
Baseball Parking Lot Resurfacing
Restroom Replacement
Material and Trash Enclosures
Walkway Improvements
New Shade Structure
Future Phases (Replacement of Community Center) - Timeline TBD
There are no meetings scheduled at this time; however, we welcome your input. Please feel free to share your comments with Andrew Mooney, Parks and Planning Director. He can be contacted at [email protected] or 805-381-1218.
The Conejo Community Center was built in 1965, and much like your home, as it ages, additional maintenance costs are incurred due to deterioration and inefficiencies. Similarly, the needs and desires of the community have changed significantly over the past half-century. An assessment of the facility, with comprehensive input from the public, will allow CRPD to address infrastructure and repair issues, as well as evaluate needs of the community and if a new, or renovated, facility is required to meet those needs.
The assessment process will allow CRPD to plan for future needs, investigate funding sources, and strategize for the implementation process.
CRPD believes the process is essential to the future investment of the community and will produce immediate and long-lasting benefits.
If the building is renovated or rebuilt, what will it look like?
As a result of several public outreach meetings, CRPD intends to rebuild the center, sited at the general location of the current building, as a two-story facility with increased square footage and functionality. CRPD is working with the consultant to develop plans for the new facility. Refer to the PLANS & DOCUMENTS tab.
How much will the project cost? How is CRPD going to pay for this project?
At this time, the total project cost is unknown.
CRPD currently has approximately $750,000 budgeted for the design and development of the project. In June 2020, CRPD hired Andrew Goodwin Designs (AGD) from San Luis Obispo, to provide an environmental assessment of the project and detailed drawings suitable for bidding. CRPD will continue to explore further funding opportunities for construction as plans are developed for the project.
If there is a complete renovation or reconstruction of the center/park, what will happen to the programs? What about concerts in the park and other major events?
At this early stage of the process, information about specific programs is not available. CRPD will make great efforts to minimize disruption to programming and patrons. CRPD will gather and distribute information as soon as it becomes available and relevant in the process.
With major events such as concerts in the park, CRPD will make great efforts to minimize disruption and relocate these events as necessary.
What is the timeline for the project?
Refer to the TIMELINE tab for more detailed information.
How can I help?
Get involved and provide your input! We want to make sure your voice is heard. Email your thoughts to Andrew Mooney, Parks and Planning Director, at [email protected] or call 805-381-1218. Â
If you wish to assist CRPD in gathering and distributing information and supporting the process, let us know and we can find a role for you.
If I'm unable to attend any of the meetings, how can I provide input?
You may email your thoughts to Andrew Mooney, Parks and Planning Director, at [email protected] or call 805-381-1218.
The wood-framed Community Center, just over 7,000 square feet in total, was built in 1965 by local volunteer efforts.
Most of the 36.4-acre property for Conejo Community Park, also known as "Dover and Hendrix", was transferred from Ventura County to the Conejo Recreation and Park District in 1972. The rolling hillside park is host to the popular Summer Concerts in the Park series held in the sloped lawn amphitheater and also boasts scenic reservable facilities, picnic areas, and a ballfield.
The back restrooms, along with the maintenance shed, were built in 1972.
The facility provides a full complement of recreation services; over 50 programs are scheduled each week that serve patrons of all ages. Additionally, the facility is home to the Outdoor Unit of the Recreation Division as well as the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden and Conejo Valley Little League.
Our programs are offered year-round and are taught by American Red Cross certified and trained instructors.
Completion of class does not guarantee advancement to the next level. For children under 5 who are just learning to swim, a minimum of two sessions of repeated lessons is recommended. Children under 8 may need additional practice before mastering each level of swimming which may take several sessions before moving to the next level.
We do not offer make-up lessons unless canceled by Conejo Recreation & Park District. A full description of the refund policy can be found at the bottom of your receipt or by visiting our REFUND INFO & FAQ.Â
Please utilize the Special Accommodations option for individuals who may need additional assistance to enhance your swimmer's learning experience.
Read each description carefully and select an appropriate level by ability and not age. If your child does not meet the minimum or maximum age requirements, please give our officE a call at 805-241-0894.
Parent and Child (Ages 6 months – 3 years)
Introduces participants and their guardians’ skills to get acclimated to an aquatic environment. Learn skills in self-guided practice with your child through songs, toys, and games. Practice movements on front and back, changing positions, submerging, entering, and exiting the pool. One guardian is required to be in the water during this course. This course is offered in group instruction only.
Tiny Tot Seals (Ages 2.5 – 3.5 years)
If this is your child is under the age of 3, we recommend at least one session of Parent/Child. Introduces movement along the wall, blowing bubbles, breath-holding, kicking, floating, arm strokes, and under water exploration. Participants should be comfortable in shallow water and can follow verbal cues. This course is offered in semi-private instruction only.
Polliwogs (Ages 3.5 - 5 years)
Builds on skills from Tiny Tots, moving into deeper water. Improve arm/leg movements, gliding, and floating. Introduces swimming with assistance with an emphasis on underwater exploration. Participants must be able to hang on the wall without letting go, follow verbal directions, and blow bubbles at the surface of the water. This course is offered in semi-private instruction only.
Seals (Ages 4 - 7 years)
Builds on skills from Polliwogs, continuing work on simultaneous leg/arm movements, improving floating, and gliding on front/back with limited assistance. Introduces swimming at the surface of the water without assistance. Participants must be able to submerge their head fully under water. This course is offered in group and semi-private instruction.
Dolphins (Ages 4 – 8 years)
Builds on skills from Seals, continuing to swim without assistance at the surface of the water. Focuses on freestyle arm/leg movements with rhythmic breathing and floating at the surface of the water unassisted. Introduces elementary backstroke and survival swimming. This course is offered in group and semi-private instruction.
Otters (Ages 5 – 10 years)
Builds on skills from Dolphins, emphasizes strength, endurance, and coordination of freestyle. Introduces backstroke, breaststroke, and treading water. Participants should be comfortable swimming at the surface of the water for at least 15 yards with rhythmic breathing then roll into a back float unassisted. This course is offered in group and semi-private instruction.
Stingrays (Ages 5 – 12 years)
Builds on skills from Otters, with extended instruction in the coordination of freestyle, backstroke, and treading water. Introduces the breaststroke and the butterfly kick. Participants must be able to swim 25-yards of freestyle (with side breathing) and backstroke. This course is offered in group and semi-private instruction.
Barracudas (Ages 6 – 12 years)
Builds on skills from Stingrays, with extended instruction in the coordination of breaststroke and butterfly. Focuses on endurance, stroke development, starts, and finishes. Introduces intervals, flip turns, and circle swimming. Participants must be able to swim 50-yards of freestyle (with side breathing), backstroke and breaststroke. This course is offered in group and semi-private instruction.
Sharks (Ages 10 – 14 years)
Participants in this course are ready for the Swim Team and need stroke refinement and endurance training. Should be able to comfortably swim 50- yards each of all four competitive strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly). This class is not offered every season and is held in semi-private instruction only.
Private Instruction (Ages 2.5+)
One participant to one instructor, designed around the individual’s swimming ability, needs, and level. All private instructions can be converted into semi-private instruction if both participants are around the same swimming ability. Private Instructions are limited and fill quickly. For any cancellations, we call off the waitlist.
Adult Beginner (Ages 18+)
This class offers a chance for participants to reach their swimming goals in a fun, motivating, and safe environment. This class is geared towards beginners and should not be taken by individuals who have advanced swimming experience. Learn how to effectively overcome your fear of water by learning the basics of floating, breathing, and kicking. Introduces the fundamentals of survival stroke with skills and drills to practice individually. This class is not offered every season and is held in semi-private instruction only.
SPECIALTY CLASSESÂ
 CRPD Swim Team (Ages 8+)
The CRPD Swim Team is a novice team that prepares athletes for competition by focusing on speed, endurance, refining strokes, and physical conditioning. Workouts are structured by age and ability providing workouts in a fun and collaborative social setting for all athletes. Swimmers must be proficient in the following to be eligible for the CPRD Swim Team:
Freestyle for 50 Yards - Child can demonstrate correct reaching arms, fast kicks, and side breathing, using streamline off the wall.
Backstroke for 50 Yards - Child can demonstrate correct straight arms, fast flutter kicks, using streamline off the wall.
Breaststroke for 25 Yards - Child can demonstrate correct breaststroke arms alternating with breaststroke kick (not scissor kick), breathing during the pull.
Butterfly Kick for 15 Yards (Dolphin Kick) - Child can kick with legs together, toes pointed, kicking from the hips (not the knees).
Tread Water for 1 Minute - Child can stay afloat using sculling arms, and legs keeping their head above water without touching the bottom or wall.
Demonstrate Tuck/Pike Surface Dive - Child can front float at surface then bring body into Tuck or Pike position with head down, and swim headfirst to the bottom.
While some equipment is provided for swim workouts, participants are required to supply their own swimsuit, goggles, towels, and swim fins. A CRPD Swim Team swim cap will be provided on the first day of practice. Search course number C800 for more detailed information.
Homeschool Swim Team (Ages 8+)
The Homeschool Swim Team provides opportunities for local homeschools to meet and train in a fun and team-oriented environment. Learn effective and efficient turns, starts, and finishes for all four competitive strokes. Practice drills and swim sets tailored to individual levels and endurance. Athletes should be able to swim 25-yards of freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke comfortably. This class should not be taken by swimmers that do not know how to swim or are uncomfortable in the water. This class is not offered every season. Search course number C803 for more detailed information.
Stroke Technique and Workout (Ages 14+)
Improve stroke technique, endurance, and confidence in the water. Instructed by experienced swim instructors and coaches. Learn how to swim faster with less effort in a small group setting at your own pace. This course is offered in group instruction only. Search course number C805 for more detailed information.
Intro to Water Polo (Ages 8+)
This course offers an introductory lesson into the sport of water polo. Introduces the fundamental skills, techniques, rules, and excitement of the sport. Taught by collegiate and area coaches. This class is held in 7-12 feet of water. Participants must be able to swim 50 yards (2 lengths) of a competition pool comfortably with rotary breathing. Participants should also be knowledgeable in the Back and Breast strokes. No previous water polo experience is needed. This class is not offered every season. Search course number C801 for more detailed information.
Water Aerobic Workout – Deep Water (Ages 18+)
This class offers a conventional workout using the power of water and your body. Learn how great it feels to work hard in the water without it feeling like a workout. Low impact exercises taught by a seasoned and experienced water aerobics instructor to workout problem muscle and joint areas. Search course number C802 for more detailed information.
Noodle Aerobic Workout – Shallow Water (Ages 18+)
Explore the versatility of a pool noodle while improving core, strength, flexibility, balance, range of motion and proper form. Exercises in shallow water with movements from yoga, Pilates, ballet, and more. Gentle on the joints ideal for participants with arthritis. Search course number C802 for more detailed information.
Water Aerobic Workout – Shallow Water (Ages 18+)
This class is full of fun and energizing activities designed to help you reach your fitness goals. The exercises are performed in water that is chest deep and no swimming skills are needed to participate. The class utilizes different exercises and routines coupled with mild aerobics, all at the pace and comfort level of everyone. Search course number C804 for more detailed information.
Water Walkers Workout – Shallow Water (Ages 18+)
This class offers a conventional workout using the power of water and your body as you walk and jog. The low impact exercises are performed in shallow water and no swimming skills are needed to participate. The purpose of the class is to improve flexibility, range of motion, strength, muscle tone and cardiovascular endurance while using the resistance of the water to cushion the feet, knees and back. Search course number C804 for more detailed information.
Springboard Diving (Ages 7-17)
Introduces fundamentals of competitive springboard diving to beginners while intermediate divers refine their skills. Get coached at your level in a small and controlled group setting by the current Cal Lutheran University Dive Coach. Dive class participants must successfully execute basic skills before moving on to more advanced skills. All participants must be able to swim 25-yards freestyle and perform a dive from the edge of the pool. This class is not offered every season. Search course number 3409 for more detailed information.
Aquatic Summer Fun Camp (Ages 8-12)
Have fun in the sun at the Community Pool at CLU with other youth from the community. Receive daily swim instruction in all four competitive strokes. Introduction to the sports of Water Polo and Springboard Diving is also included. Take daily hikes, play interactive games, and end the day in the pool. Light snacks are provided throughout the day. Participants must be able to swim 25 yards (one length of a competitive pool) unassisted and without rest. This camp is not offered every season. Search course number 3415 for more detailed information.
