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Bringing a Multi-Use Gymnasium to Camarillo: The First Step Toward a Stronger Community Hub

PVRPD is working to build a multi-use gymnasium — the first phase of a larger vision to better serve all residents in Camarillo.

Why a Gymnasium – and Why Now?

Meeting Immediate Needs, Building Long-Term Support

Camarillo is ready for a gymnasium. Our recreation programs are growing, but we're turning people away due to lack of space. A multi-use gymnasium will support sports, fitness classes, community events, and provide year-round access to safe, accessible indoor recreation that can serve the diverse needs and interests for residents of all ages. It’s the most impactful and achievable first step toward the expanded community center our residents deserve.

  • Over 800,000 annual park users and rising
  • Waitlists and lack of indoor capacity for sports and wellness programs
  • Multi-use space = basketball, pickleball, fitness, classes, rentals, camps, badminton
  • Year-round indoor access during extreme heat, rain or smoke events
  • Ample space for community use and refuge during emergencies and natural disasters

Our Multi-Phase Vision

Phase 1: Gymnasium Today. Full Community Center Tomorrow.

Rather than asking the community to fund an entire expansion up front, we’re proposing a multi-phase plan that begins with a gymnasium. With early momentum and community use, we can build support for completing the larger vision in the future.

 

Who We Are – And Who We’re Not

A Special Recreation District.

Many residents are unsure whether parks and recreation fall under the City’s responsibilities. In fact, the Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District (PVRPD) is a separate agency with a board elected by, the residents of the district, established to serve Camarillo's recreational needs. This project is being led by PVRPD, while partnering with the City for funding support. This quick guide clarifies the difference — so you’ll know exactly why this project matters and who’s behind it.

Funding This Project

How Is This Being Paid For?

Transparency is important to us. Phase 1 of the project will be partially funded through a mix of local, state and city contributions — but that alone won’t be enough to complete Phase 1. PVRPD is exploring pursuing a bonded Community Facilities District (CFD).

●       City has committed $8 million to support capital improvements; PVRPD has committed $1 million

●       Estimated cost for Phase 1 is near $20 million based on initial estimates

●       PVRPD is exploring additional grant funding and partnerships, as well as a bonded CFD

What is a Bonded CFD?

Community Facilities Districts (CFDs) are used to finance local public facilities and provide funding for public services. A CFD can fund public improvements with a useful life of at least five years such as public infrastructure. CFDs can also fund ongoing services such as maintaining these facilities.

A CFD can be initiated by registered voters, landowners or members of a legislative body. The formation process begins with the one-time adoption of local goals and policies outlining the criteria under which CFDs may be used for facilities and/or programs and services, or both, credit requirements related to bonds issued, and appraisal standards. After the CFD is formed an election is called and requires a 2/3 approval of voters to confirm the CFD. If successfully voted in, a special tax levy is ordered, which is reflected on property tax rolls.

Be Part of the Vision

This project is for the community — and it starts with you. Whether you want to attend a meeting, share your feedback or just get familiar with the project, there are many ways to get involved and help bring this project to life.

Please mark your calendars for Aug. 15 — the launch of our community survey related to this project. It will be linked here, and on our social media platforms. We value your input and want to hear from you! This survey will be an integral part of the process.

Town halls by Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District in July and August. Dates: July 15, 23; August 6, 14 (virtual options).

 

Documents

'The Need' PowerPoint PresentationSenior & Community Recreation Facility Design PlanVoter Opinion/Polling Service RFPFM3 Research Results

 

Questions? 

Mary Otten, General Manager
motten@pvrpd.org, 805.482.1996 x114