Thousand Oaks – The Conejo Recreation and Parks District (CRPD) is moving forward with a plan to install a dozen pickleball courts in the area known as Conejo Creek Park West, also called Waverly Equestrian Park. The proposal has drawn sharp opposition from local horse‑riders, nearby homeowners and dog‑park users who argue the new courts would jeopardize the safety of horses, create noise issues for dogs and disrupt the peace of the community gardens and surrounding residences.

Community voices raise safety and heritage concerns

Equestrians and neighbors have repeatedly cited expert opinions that pickleball activity is incompatible with equestrian use. They warn that the fast‑moving balls and loud paddles could startle horses, increasing the risk of accidents. “We have been told by professionals that pickleball and horses simply do not mix,” one concerned rider said. “Putting courts in the middle of an active equestrian space puts both people and animals at risk.”

Dog owners also expressed worries that noise‑reactive dogs could become agitated by the constant sound of play, potentially leading to confrontations in the adjacent dog park. The broader community fears the project would erode the long‑standing tranquility that has defined the park and its surrounding homes for generations.

Questions about motive and alternatives

Critics suspect that a national pickleball association may be influencing the district’s decision, suggesting the move could be an effort to push horses out of the park. “It looks like an attempt to drive equestrian activity away,” a local advocate wrote, “and that would be a loss for our heritage in the Conejo Valley.”

CRPD already operates dedicated pickleball courts in five other parks and maintains tennis courts that can be double‑striped to accommodate additional pickleball play if demand warrants. Opponents argue that these existing facilities should be sufficient and that expanding pickleball into a dedicated equestrian space is unnecessary.

How residents can respond

The CRPD board will consider the proposal at its meeting on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 6 p.m. in the Community Room at the district’s headquarters, 403 W. Hillcrest Drive. Residents are encouraged to attend, voice their concerns, or submit a comment card for the public record. They may also email Jim Friedl ([email protected]) or Andrew Mooney ([email protected]), or call the district at 805‑495‑6471 to express opposition to the plan.

Community members hope that by making their voices heard, the district will preserve Conejo Creek West as a safe, quiet space for horses, dogs and families who value the park’s historic role in the valley.

Original reporting: Thousand Oaks Acorn — read the source article.