The Conejo Valley’s parks and open space have a stellar reputation. In survey after survey, the community has not only expressed their appreciation for the vast options of resources and recreational pursuits but the desire that these assets continue to be maintained and preserved. The plethora of recreation and park facilities, open space and additional amenities are not only celebrated by residents; they are the envy of communities statewide. Regional social media often highlights a weekly activity occurring at one or more locations.
The numerous parks and abundant open space in the Conejo Valley do not exist by happenstance but rather by strategic planning and unwavering pursuit. Early in the formative years of the community, officials from both the Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD) and the City of Thousand Oaks worked closely together to ensure the conservation of open space and the development of recreation and park facilities. Because of more than 60 parks, numerous amenities and a ring of open space around the valley, residents and visitors alike can take full advantage of the many available options.
What is it about parks and open space that makes them so important to our community?
Is it the 40 different parks that have playgrounds? Is it the fact that 90 percent of our residents can walk to one of these parks within 10 minutes? Or maybe it’s the many special events that are held throughout the year? For the outdoor-minded, perhaps it is the 170 miles of hiking trails traversing the open space hillsides. For those with a preference for indoor activities, it may be the many community centers that offer gyms, places to gather or programming to suit their individual wants and needs.
The desire to maintain our parks and preserve open space circles back to the reason many residents are attracted to the Conejo Valley – its natural beauty. While the population has grown over the decades, setting aside land for parks and open space has helped to retain this beauty and offer places of respite when desired. Having an oak-lined stream channel running through the middle of town, with a trail alongside it, makes it easy to experience the wonders of nature in a special (and nearby) way.
I believe the strong affinity for parks and open space is primarily a reflection of the residents themselves. We have a very active community spanning all ages and abilities. The local trails teem with hikers, bikers, joggers and equestrians. The playfields and courts overflow with youth and adults playing soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball and pickleball. Camps are filled to capacity with children learning new skills and making new friends during summer and holiday vacations. The Goebel Adult Community Center regularly hosts 300 to 500 adults each week playing Bingo, taking classes or attending guest lectures.
Local residents are expectant, enlightened and engaged in the community in which they live. The parks and facilities have been here for 60 years – the open space for centuries. We sincerely desire that these resources will continue to be available not only for our children and grandchildren but for all future generations.
Doug Nickles is a director/board member for the Conejo Recreation and Park District, the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency, and the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts. The views expressed are his and do not necessarily reflect those of the district, agency or the respective boards.
