At a packed October 15 meeting, the Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD) board voted 4‑1 to advance the Conejo Creek West Park concept plan to environmental review. Director Doug Nickles was the sole dissenting vote, arguing that the proposed 12 pickleball courts clash with the park’s traditional equestrian character.
Resident concerns focus on preserving equestrian heritage
Long‑time Thousand Oaks residents, including Phil Gatch Jr., emphasized the town’s historic equestrian lifestyle. “Equestrian lifestyle is at the essence of T.O.’s history and culture,” Gatch said, adding that while he isn’t opposed to pickleball, he believes the sport does not belong at this location.
Other community members echoed this sentiment. Robert Sullivan warned that paving over open‑space gardens for pickleball parking would undermine the suburban pastoral theme that has long defined the area.
Park plan details and revisions
The park, located at 1350 E. Avenida de las Flores next to the 23 Freeway, has been a horse‑riding venue since the district acquired the land in 1972. Maintained by Equestrian Trails Inc., the site currently includes a main arena and several smaller arenas and pens.
The updated concept plan, reflecting feedback from four public meetings in September 2024 and a survey of 2,340 respondents, retains an equestrian area, adds picnic spaces, a parking lot, and the contested 12 pickleball courts. A remote‑control vehicle course was removed from the proposal.
In response to earlier criticism, the location of the pickleball courts was shifted farther from the western neighbors and closer to the northern side of the park, roughly 300 feet from the equestrian area and 5 to 15 feet from the proposed dog park.
Board and staff statements
Board Vice Chair Marissa Buss stressed the need for a thorough study, stating, “I want a study done so that everyone who sits on this dais has that information and can make an informed decision.” CRPD staff estimate the environmental review will take six to nine months and cost about $30,000, funded from the district’s operating budget.
Director Chuck Huffer countered claims that Conejo Creek West is the only equestrian venue in Thousand Oaks, noting the availability of the Rancho Potrero Community Equestrian Center and nearby Santa Monica Mountains trails.
Public interest in pickleball
Supporters highlighted the sport’s popularity. A prepared statement from residents Andrew Mooney and Jim Friedl noted that pickleball received the highest public interest for new recreational amenities in the survey.
The environmental review will assess potential traffic, noise, biological and safety impacts associated with the further development, particularly the new pickleball courts and group picnic area.
Original reporting: Thousand Oaks Acorn — read the source article.
