Community Center off to a great start

The first fiscal year of the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center turned out to be much better than expected, according to budget figures released last week.

The facility in Lost Hills reported revenues of $900,000 for the fiscal year ending in June. Expenses were only $800,000, leaving the budget solidly in the black and in much better shape than many had predicted.

"Over a year ago had anyone projected this nobody would have believed it," said Ed Corridori, vice chairman of the Community Center Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and Agoura Hills city councilman.

The JPA oversees operation of the facility at 27040 Malibu Hills Road, near Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station.

"Neither city could have done it alone, so it’s a win-win for both cities," Corridori said.

Agoura Hills and Calabasas each contributed $2 million toward the $5.6 million project. A state grant and private donations helped pay the rest.

Corridori said the community center would stand on its own at the current rate, without further financial help from the cities. The center, which opened last December, enrolled 320 memberships in its first month. Sales were brisk as people signed up for a mix of $55 family memberships, $44 couple memberships and $33 individual memberships.

Today, the community center has more than 900 members.

Inside the 30,000 square-foot building is a weight room that Eric Flood uses four days a week.

"It’s really nice. The AC [air conditioning] is always pumping so it’s nice and cool," said Flood, a 30-year-old Calabasas resident. "I’d like to see it stay open until 11 [p.m.]."

Hours, gym availability, programs and fees could be subject to change in the coming year, Corridori said.

The JPA wants the 11,000 square-foot gymnasium available for more youth participation. The $1 drop-in fee for children will remain the same, but the cost for one-time use by adults is expected to increase to $5, Corridori said.

When the community center opened, both Agoura Hills and Calabasas were using the facility and its 5,000 square-foot multi-purpose room for frequent, city-sponsored events.

While free public events are still welcome, community center officials want to make sure that revenue-producing weddings, parties and bar mitzvahs gain priority.

As a result, each city can use the community center for no more than 100 hours of free events each year.

Room rentals can range from $45 to $175 an hour depending on the size of the party.

Among the most popular attractions is a 34-foot rock climbing wall that’s open seven days a week.

The center also features personal fitness training and community classes such as dance, karate, yoga and acting. Because of demand, additional indoor cycling classes were added.

The center’s fitness room includes 15 stationary bikes.

"People are enjoying it," said Louise Rishoff, Agoura Hills mayor. "They’re coming out of there saying they want to come back."