Residents Welcome Plan for Long-Awaited Gym
About 60 residents of Oxnard’s La Colonia neighborhood turned out at a community meeting Wednesday to applaud the unveiling of plans for a long-awaited gym, but questioned why the facility is taking so long to build.
Officials from the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and the architect unveiled plans at the meeting at Juanita Elementary School for the 10,996-square-foot gym at Marquita Street and Amelia Court. It will include a basketball-volleyball court, seating for 150 to 200 spectators, restrooms and office space.
But some residents, saying that the $1.2-million project has been in the planning stages for more than three years, expressed skepticism about the projected completion date of June, 1992.
“I think the community is a little disappointed that it’s taken so long,” said resident Carlos Aguilera. “They’re at the point where they’re saying, ‘Stop telling me; show me.’ ”
The city first approved the concept in June, 1988. Earlier this week, the City Council approved advertising for construction bids.
Neighbors questioned the impact of more cars and whether there will be funds to staff the gym.
City officials assured residents that there will be sufficient parking, and said they are seeking funding for additional staff at the gym, but will also rely heavily on community volunteers.
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