Plans for DeAnza aquatics center sunk




Calabasas officials have decided not to build a large aquatics center on the west side of town. Some residents who live near the proposed site at Juan Bautista De Anza Park strongly opposed the water park.

City Manager Tony Coroalles said a majority of the 60 people who attended a planning commission hearing about the pool earlier in the year indicated they didn’t want the facility.

“I’m glad the council didn’t take further action,” Councilmember Mary Sue Maurer said.

The west side water park and pool concept surfaced in 2003, when the city’s community services department updated its parks and recreation master plan and sent a survey to residents soliciting their ideas.

At the time, the study showed that residents on the west site of Calabasas were in favor of an aquatics complex in their community. The City Council adopted a master plan that included an $8- million pool and other structures.

Earlier this year, the city introduced a design showing a water park with water slides, splash pool and a miniature river shaded by large palm trees. An eight-lane swimming pool, locker rooms, office complex and concession stand were also in the plan.

Although representatives from the Calabasas/Agoura Hills Community Center and Camp Calabasas and residents from other communities favored the aquatics park, most people living near the site spoke out against the imposing plan.

Mayor Barry Groveman said the city conducted a recent poll to determine whether people’s interest had changed since the 2003 survey.

“I’m happy with the outcome. This issue was decided by the majority and our role was to make sure the majority has a voice,” Groveman said.


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