The Healing Garden project has been completed and was dedicated on November 7, 2019, the one year anniversary of the Borderline shooting.
Project Overview
Through the tragic shooting incident of November 7, 2018, where 12 lives were taken, and 248 survived, the Healing Garden was conceived. The result is a shared vision between the City of Thousand Oaks, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Conejo Recreation and Park District of space for all community members, to assist healing and to provide a place for contemplation, meditation, and prayer. The natural setting through the use of water, foliage, and stone is designed to relieve, engross, and comfort our community.
Description
The Healing Garden is in a central location in Thousand Oaks, at its most popular park, Conejo Creek North (behind the Thousand Oaks Library). The park’s upper pond supplies an anchoring component to the space, with mature specimen Oaks providing a screen from other park activities, while preserving a strong linkage from the pond to existing park walkways and community gathering areas.
The Borderline twelve are represented by a fountain feature with twelve vertical jets centered in the existing pond which signifies the broader community. The water feature is one of three main elements of the healing space. A passive contemplation area is provided to the South of the pond with peaceful shoreline seating divided by simplistic landscaping surrounding the space to create a unique outdoor room, that offers various foliage and flowering plant material. Plant species were selected to complement existing plant selections while inviting wildlife such as butterflies and birds. Embodying the natural surroundings of the region, a large specimen Oak will be planted bordering the garden area that provides additional canopy. One natural boulder will be centered at the shoreline plaza entry and will introduce visitors to the Healing Garden.
Additionally, the Borderline twelve will be signified by twelve large natural granite stone slab benches located along the plaza connecting the shoreline of the pond to an existing walkway. The granite materials were hand-selected to represent the strength of our community. The plaza paving is a linear concrete paver that runs parallel with the granite bench orientation that directs a visitor’s vision to the pond element. The pavers will be a blend of several colors mirroring that of the granite stone. A unique color will designate two hundred forty-eight pavers in the scheme representing the number of survivors from that tragic night.
To the North, the active existing Lakeside Pavilion provides space for community events and other gatherings. Augmenting and providing additional structure to the existing stage at the pavilion will be a series of natural granite boulder massings, totaling twelve boulders in number. One of the boulders will overlook the pond feature and will introduce visitors to the Healing Garden.
Flower & Memento Policy
The Conejo Recreation and Park District allows a limited and regular placement of acceptable flowers and other mementos within the confines of the Healing Garden's south area. Anything left at the Healing Garden will be collected and discarded every Thursday to maintain a clean, safe, and aesthetically pleasing experience for all and to allow for the maintenance of the area. Flowers and mementos that are considered hazardous, inappropriate and inconsistent with the Healing Garden and a public park are prohibited and will be removed immediately.
Click here to view the full policy. For any questions or concerns, please contact the Conejo Recreation and Park District at 805-495-6471.
Construction Updates and Photos
Week of November 4, 2019
Survivors, victims' families, and first responders were invited to participate in the laying of the remaining 248 unique color pavers representing the survivors within the shoreline plaza. Plaques have been installed and minor project cleanup remains in preparation for the dedication ceremony.
Week of October 28. 2019
Landscaping has been completed. The plaques and final details of the paver plaza are being prepared for installation.
Week of October 21, 2019
Final landscaping is being installed in the garden area. Decomposed granite seating areas and pathways are being prepared for installation. Final fountain adjustments are in place.
Week of October 14, 2019
Pavilion stage boulders have been set and grouted with concrete matching existing paving. Planting and irrigation continue at the garden area.
Week of September 23, 2019
The paver area concrete banding was installed. Paver materials have been delivered and are being prepared for installation.
Week of September 16, 2019
Garden area and materials are being prepared for installation.  A 110-ton crane installed a 23’ tall specimen Oak tree along with (12) granite slab benches, averaging 5,500 lbs. each.
Week of September 9, 2019
Granite slab benches are being prepared for delivery as work begins on-site with grading and construction layout.
Pre-Construction
A large specimen oak has been selected for the site and the granite slabs are being cut.
Partnerships
On June 25, 2019, the City of Thousand Oaks approved a grant agreement with Conejo Recreation and Park District for $250,000 to provide funding for the construction of the Healing Garden.
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.
