New Agoura rec center starting to take shape

Facility design being discussed



At a public workshop on Oct. 4 residents outlined big goals for the new recreation center being planned in Agoura Hills.

The lease for the current recreation center at a church site on Thousand Oaks Boulevard expires in 2014. City officials purchased property for a new center at a site on Ladyface Court that formerly belonged to Temple Beth Haverim.

The temple land and buldings cost $4.4 million and were chosen as a home for the new recreation center over Forest Cove Park.

The 7-acre parcel at Ladyface Court, located to the south of Agoura Hills City Hall and the public library, includes two buildings, one 12,500 square feet and the other 3,600 square feet.

According to Assistant City Manager Nathan Hamburger, the existing buildings may or may not be used. The city has the opportunity to build a center from scratch and include a wide range of recreation programs and features that meet the needs of different segments of the community.

Joining Hamburger at the workshop was Chris Dodd, the city’s administrative analyst, and Tyson Cline of RNT Architects in Ventura.

Dodd said RNT Architects were chosen for the job because of their work with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. They are known for integrating buildings into the natural environments.

Jodi Regan suggested a shuttle be used to bring students from school to the rec center. She also wanted a skate park for teens similar to one in Santa Barbara.

Former Agoura Hills Mayor Ed Corridori said a water source for animals wandering the hills could be included in the plan.

Cline said one of the best features of the new site is its views. He suggested the outdoor space be maximized.

A mini amphitheater tucked into the hillside was a crowdpleasing idea, especially when it was suggested that the theater could generate revenue for the city.

Cim Castellon, vice chair of the city’s Cultural Arts Council, said she would like to see public art installations—maybe even a graffiti wall.

Art consultant Constance Jolcuvar, said the new center could combine different goals, including athletics and cultural events. She said a bowling alley would be a welcome teen attraction.

Other suggestions included an interpretive exercise path, gardens, an art studio and a separate art exhibit, as well as a media center for film classes and other creative pursuits.

Tourism was another idea suggested by the citizens group. Old Agoura resident Robyn Britton hopes that a visitors’ center would be included in the plan. Wineries, breweries, cycling tours, historical information and other tourist attractions could be promoted through the center, she said.

Practical aspects of the building design were also discussed. Access to the center is a big consideration since the road to the buildings is exceptionally steep, Cline said.

Floating walls would allow for classroom flexibility, and mirrors and special flooring for exercise and dance classes were suggested. Energy efficient elements like rooftop solar panels also made the wish list.

Revenue- generating ideas continued. Resident Sue Lepisto floated the idea of partnering with businesses that wanted naming rights on the center. Castellon said a special event area should be earmarked for rentals.

“Dole Pavilion—does anyone have a problem with that?” Regan asked. She added that the city could sell bricks to residents who could put their family names on them.

The city plans to conduct workshops for teens and seniors to determine their particular needs for the center as well.

Community Services Director Amy Jones-Brink said the city will aggressively gather input from teens and seniors. Surveys have been dropped off at Agoura High School and are also accessible online at the city website and on Facebook.

For more information, visit www.ci.agoura-hills.ca.us.



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