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

A Major Step Forward for Camarillo’s First Multi-Use Gymnasium

Project Update: February 2026

Click this link to view renderings. The button containing the link is a rendering of the multiuse facility facing the south end of the building. There are people in the foreground and a building in the back. — Click to view renderings.

Following strong community support and a formal Board vote, Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District has selected a preferred conceptual design for a nearly 16,000-square-foot multi-use gymnasium – an important milestone in bringing expanded indoor recreation space to Camarillo. The project would enhance access to indoor sports, recreational programming for all ages and community gathering spaces for residents throughout Camarillo.

View the 2025 Annual Report

Project Update: Design Option Selected

In February 2026, the PVRPD Board of Directors voted to advance the conceptual design for Camarillo’s first multi-use gymnasium.

This decision follows overwhelmingly positive community feedback. In a survey conducted last summer, 90% of respondents expressed support for the need and desire to develop a new indoor recreation facility in Camarillo.

Working with nationally recognized architectural firm LPA Inc., three conceptual facility options were developed for review. After the Board's thoughtful consideration, a 16,000 square-foot design was selected. This facility design includes:

● One full-sized high-school basketball court or two parallel practice courts

● A flexible activity and multipurpose room

● Lobby and gathering space

● Restrooms

● Cubby storage

● A steel-frame structure designed to complement surrounding site architecture

What the Future Could Look Like

Below are conceptual renderings of the selected gymnasium design. These visuals represent the current design for the indoor recreation facility and will continue to evolve as the project advances through future phases.

A spacious gym interior with basketball courts, players, bleachers, and large windows allowing natural light.

Image features logos for the Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District and announces the Community Recreation Center, date 02.20.26.

The image shows an aerial view of an existing site with streets labeled, including Modesto Ave., Burnley St., and Brently Ave.

May contain: neighborhood, intersection, road, chart, diagram, plan, plot, outdoors, terminal, and airport

A site diagram for a new recreation center showing layout, connections, and existing buildings on campus, enhancing green space and access.

Image showcases site amenities including an indoor/outdoor gym, gathering spaces, event lawn, and outdoor fitness activities.

Site plan featuring a new recreation center, existing buildings, green spaces, and various connections and seating areas.

May contain: people, person, ball, sport, volleyball, volleyball (ball), badminton, sword, weapon, and volleyball game

The image shows a building program detailing spaces in a gymnasium and shared support areas, including their sizes in square feet.

The image is a floor plan for a multi-use gymnasium and classroom, detailing various spaces and their dimensions.

The image shows a floor plan of a multi-use gymnasium and classroom, detailing various spaces and dimensions.

Floor plan for a multi-use gymnasium featuring two volleyball courts, classrooms, restrooms, and lobby area. Total area: 15,849 sf.

The image shows a floor plan for a gymnasium with two basketball practice courts, classrooms, restrooms, and support spaces.

Floor plan for a multi-use gymnasium featuring 6 pickleball courts, restrooms, a classroom, and support spaces. Total area: 15,849 sf.

The image shows a floor plan for a multi-use gymnasium with six badminton courts and a classroom, including restrooms and lobby.

The image displays various architectural features of a senior center, showcasing different views and landscaping elements.

An aerial view of a modern building surrounded by greenery, mountains in the background, with parking and pathways.

An architectural rendering of the Pleasant Valley Recreation Center, featuring landscaped areas, pathways, and various people engaging.

May contain: person, walking, architecture, building, outdoors, shelter, grass, plant, campus, ball, basketball, basketball (ball), sport, accessories, bag, handbag, clothing, footwear, shoe, nature, park, bicycle, transportation, vehicle, and backpack

A vibrant outdoor event space with people engaging in activities, surrounded by greenery and modern architecture.

A modern recreation center with landscaping, people, and various activities promoting community engagement.

A Deeper Dive

How did we get here?

Prior to the onset of COVID-19, PVRPD and the City of Camarillo had developed plans for a full-scale Multi-Generational Center (which would have seen a full renovation and expansion of the existing Senior Center building on Burnley Street) through Concept Plan 2 — a 31,272-square-foot facility initially estimated at $34.5 million. At that time, the City had earmarked $8 million toward the project, with the District setting aside $1 million from its Quimby fund. Forward movement stalled during the peak of COVID, and now, the total cost of the project is approximately $42 million – funding we don’t have.

But … our waitlists from programming continue to grow, and the fact remains: we are out of indoor recreation space.

With nearly $9 million in funding still committed to supporting the needs of our community, in 2025, we decided to pursue a phased approach to development, starting with a multi-use gymnasium — which would enable the District to meet current demand, while creating space for new programs, community events, and year-round recreation to support residents of all ages and abilities.

This project represents Phase 1 of a long-term vision to expand recreation facilities and create a future community hub for Camarillo.

In the meantime, the Senior Center has seen its own share of improvements and updates, including:

• ADA restrooms

• New A/C

• AV upgrades

• Carpet + sound walls

• Solar panels (entire community center)

• Parking lot slurring to improve safety

Why Camarillo Needs a Gymnasium

We are out of space, but the community’s need for programming continues to grow.

A new gymnasium would allow the District to:

Expand youth, adult and senior sports programs, with space that can be used for basketball, badminton, volleyball and pickleball
Offer additional fitness classes and wellness programming
Host camps, clinics, and community events
Provide year-round recreation during extreme weather and a refuge during times of emergency
Create flexible space for community gatherings and special events

Funding and Project Transparency

PVRPD is committed to maintaining transparency throughout the planning process

The estimated cost for Phase 1 — the multi-use gymnasium — is approximately $20.5 million.

We are nearly halfway there!

Funding currently identified includes:

$8 million commitment from the City of Camarillo (for this specific intention)
$1 million in PVRPD capital funding

The District is also exploring additional funding opportunities, including:

State and regional grants
Community partnerships
Potential future voter-approved funding options

How PVRPD Is Funded

Unlike cities, PVRPD is not funded by local sales tax

The District receives approximately 4% of the 1% property tax paid annually by residents.

Additional funding sources include:

● State and federal grants

● Developer impact fees (Quimby fees)

● Program revenue

These funding sources alone are not sufficient to fully fund a project of this scale.

Want to learn more about how the district is funded? Check out the funding spread in our 2025 Annual Report.

A potential November 2026 Ballot Measure

Addressing the funding gap

The District is evaluating the possibility of placing a special tax measure on the November 2026 ballot.

If placed on the ballot, the measure would require approval from two-thirds of Camarillo voters to pass.

Early estimates indicate the special tax would amount to approximately: $35–$45 per year, per residence.

If the measure advances, the final amount would be clearly stated prior to ballot placement. The District remains committed to keeping the community informed throughout this evaluation process.

What Happens Next?

A look at the project timeline

● April 2026: A statistically valid community survey will be conducted to better understand voter sentiment.

● June 2026: Survey results will be presented publicly at a Board meeting.

● Summer 2026: The Board will determine whether to place a measure on the November ballot.

● November 2026: Potential community vote on a special tax measure.

Each step will be discussed in public meetings, and updates will continue to be shared here.

Stay informed – get email updates

Frequently Asked Questions

Has the design for the Camarillo multi-use gymnasium been finalized?

The Board has selected a conceptual design. Final design and construction documents would be developed if full funding is secured.

How does a multi-use gymnasium benefit me?

A multi-use gymnasium would expand opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities, including:

● Expanded sports and recreation programming for all ages and abilities

● Year-round indoor recreation space

● Safe, structured activities for youth

● Community gathering and event space

● Tournament hosting potential to support local economic activity

This project represents more than a building — it represents an investment in health, connection, and community vitality in Camarillo.

How much would the special tax cost Camarillo residents?

Early estimates indicate approximately $35–$45 per year per residence. If a measure advances to the ballot, the final amount would be clearly stated.

Why isn’t PVPRD funded by sales tax?

PVRPD was formed in January 1962 under the State Public Resource Code of California. The birth of the District was approved by voters in the Camarillo community to provide quality programs, parks, and facilities that can be enjoyed by everyone. Through that process, the district was formed as a separate government agency from the City of Camarillo, and our boundaries also vary from the City. We are governed by a publicly elected Board of Directors and managed by the District’s General Manager. Therefore, we operate as a special district, funded separately from the City.

Will this replace existing recreation centers in Camarillo?

No. The proposed gymnasium would expand indoor recreation opportunities in Camarillo and complement existing parks and recreation facilities operated by PVRPD.

How can residents provide input on the gymnasium project?

Residents can attend Board meetings, participate in community surveys, and sign up for project updates.

What if I think this funding should be used for a different purpose?

The $8 million earmarked by the City of Camarillo is specific in its allocation for this project. The park district does not have authorization to redistribute these earmarked funds for other purposes. Other PVRPD projects will continue to progress in addition to any decisions made related to this multi-use gymnasium campaign.

What happened to the Senior Center Renovations?

This project is a phased-in approach to addressing Senior Center renovations. While there have been recent upgrades to the Senior Center, the improvements don’t increase space. This phased-in approach helps the District evolve with the needs of the community, starting first with a multi-use indoor recreation facility designed to support programming for residents of all ages and abilities.

Resources & Documents

We’ve concluded our four town halls that took place in July and August. If you weren’t able to attend, we recorded one of our virtual presentations that you can watch at your convenience.