With summer here, what's next?
By Stephanie Bertholdo  bertholdo@theacorn.com

This summer, Agoura Hills is offering a variety of activities and services for people of all ages, grads included.

The city's summer movies and concerts in the park have already begun. "Shrek" played on June 1 at Reyes Adobe Park, and The Platters kicked off the Concert in the Park series on Sunday at Chumash Park.

"We have something for everyone," said Nick Newkirk, Agoura Hills community services coordinator.

Newkirk said most people come to the park by 6 p.m. to play Frisbee and eat dinner before the movies, which start at dusk.

Movies in the park

June 24, Sumac Park: "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," starring Gene Wilder

July 29, Reyes Adobe Park: "Big," starring Tom Hanks

Aug. 26, Sumac Park: "E.T."

Concerts in the park

July 8, Chumash Park: Knight Fever, followed by a fireworks display.

July 22, Chumash Park: Jan & Dean, starring Dean Torrance.

Aug. 5, Chumash Park: Desperado, a tribute to the Eagles.

Beach bus

Students can head for Zuma Beach on the city's beach bus and pay only $1 each way. Pickup and drop-off is in the Zuma's parking lot, lifeguard station No. 6. There are three bus stop locations:

Lindero Canyon Middle School, 5844 Larboard Lane, Agoura Hills. Pickup is on the street in front of the school.

Agoura High School, 28545 W. Driver Ave., Agoura Hills

Southeast corner of the intersection at Liberty Canyon Road and Agoura Road in Agoura Hills

The beach bus program has rules to follow. Students must have exact change: $1 each way. A picture ID must be shown to the driver, either a school identification card or a driver's license. There is no smoking, eating or drinking on the bus. Music cannot be played on the bus. Surfboards, boogie boards and skim boards must be stored at the bottom of the bus.

The bus leaves at different times at each location, starting at 7:50 a.m. for students who are participating in the Junior Lifeguards program. The last bus returns from Zuma to Lindero
at 7 p.m.

Adventure Club

Students 10 years and older have a lot of options for fun this summer through the Agoura Hills Adventure Camp.

The city is sponsoring many day trips to amusement parks including Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Raging Waters, Hurricane Harbor and others. Then there's laser tag, miniature golf, summer movies, beach excursions and even some shopping at southland malls. A trip is also planned to the Ventura County Fair.

Newkirk said the city does not make a profit on Adventure Club.

Day trip prices range from $35 to $65, depending on the excursion. The intent is to provide a service to residents, Newkirk said.

Prices vary depending on the trip. A beach day would cost $35, and a bus trip and ticket to Disneyland would cost $65. The city gets a discount group rate to amusement parks, which keeps the costs reasonable.

"You can sign up whenever, for whatever," Newkirk said.

Most of the children who participate in the club are in middle school, he said. The ratio of students to camp counselors is 10-to-1.

Senior excursions

The senior set in Agoura Hills has many recreational options this summer as well.

The city will lead an excursion to the Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena on June 28. A trip to the San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino is planned on July 11. A Big Bear trip is planned for July 25.

"The senior excursions are really popular right now," Newkirk said. "We fill up the bus every time we go." 

It's not all fun and games for seniors. The city is hosting a Mature Driver's Course on July 31.

For further information about any of the summer activities, call Agoura Hills Department of Community Services at (818) 597-7361 or visit online at www.ci.agoura-hills.ca.us.