The Las Flores Community Garden, a nonprofit that has served the Conejo Valley for more than two decades, is warning that plans to install high‑intensity pickleball courts in Conejo Creek West Park (CCWP) threaten the garden’s mission and the park’s natural setting.
Why the garden matters
Founded to share the benefits of organic gardening with the community, the garden provides fresh produce to local food banks, preserves open spaces and native habitats, and offers therapeutic, educational programming for adults and children. Its location in CCWP places it alongside an equestrian center, a dog park, and the Thousand Oaks High School cross‑country team, creating a network of family‑friendly, nature‑focused amenities.
Concerns about the proposed pickleball development
Garden supporters say the proposed pickleball courts would bring increased noise, traffic, light pollution and paved parking areas that could raise the heat‑island effect already felt in the valley. They argue that pickleball is an incompatible use for a park that has long provided a quiet, restorative environment for gardening, wildlife observation and community gatherings.
Call for collaboration, not conflict
Elizabeth Zernik, a garden representative, emphasized the desire to continue working with neighbors and the Conejo Recreation and Parks District (CRPD) to expand educational activities, such as the upcoming “Day of the Horse” event on Oct. 17, and to develop community art that celebrates the area’s equestrian heritage, agricultural history and natural habitat.
“The therapeutic value and restorative power of nature and open space cannot be overestimated,” Zernik wrote. “We ask the CRPD Board to say no to pickleball in CCWP and protect the future of the Conejo Valley’s natural setting for the benefit of the entire community.”
What’s next?
The garden’s appeal comes as the CRPD Board considers the proposal. Community members are encouraged to voice their support for preserving the garden’s open space and to attend any upcoming public meetings where the decision will be discussed.
By keeping the focus on the garden’s long‑standing contributions to biodiversity, food security and family‑friendly recreation, the Las Flores Community Garden hopes to ensure that CCWP remains a peaceful, health‑promoting resource for Thousand Oaks residents.
Original reporting: Thousand Oaks Acorn — read the source article.
