Fees planned for Westlake sports facility
By Michael Picarella
Acorn Staff Writer

Last year, Westlake Village contributed almost $600,000 for a joint-use sports facility to be built at Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village. Now, city officials are discussing how the money should be paid back.

The sports complex on La Tienda Drive will cost $1.5 million, which includes $316,844 to be spent each year in operating costs and $5,000 a year in maintenance costs for the next 10 years.

The joint-use sports facility will allow for year-round baseball, soccer and other sports. The city, the school and other local sports organinzations will share in its use. More than one activity will be able to take place at the same time and lights will make night play easy. The fields will be covered with synthetic turf. Restrooms and a storage facility will be on site.

Under the agreement between the the city and the school, the local sports groups will be obligated to pay certain fees when they use the facility.

When the joint-use venture was announced last year, officials anticipated Westlake’s total cost to be $585,000. Officials say they want the money paid back within 10 years.

At a recent Westlake Village Recreation Committee meeting staff members reviewed possible repayment plans as put together by City Manager Ray Taylor.

According to Chris Mann, a Westlake Village City Councilmember, the fees cover maintenance and other costs. Users will pay an hourly fee for the