OAK PARK : Board to Discuss Deerhill Park Plan

Environmentalists, park officials and Oak Park residents are expected to speak before the Ventura County Board of Supervisors today when it considers the proposed Deerhill Park in the Oak Park community.

The county Planning Commission several months ago approved a proposal by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District to develop the 12.5-acre park at Deerhill and Doubletree roads.

But the decision was promptly appealed to the Board of Supervisors by a few residents who maintained that the park would be too intensely developed to be compatible with the surrounding quiet, residential neighborhood.

As proposed, Deerhill Park would have a soccer field, softball field, two basketball courts, two tennis courts, a concession stand, a 1,600-square-foot pavilion and two play lots.

It would cost about $1.7 million to develop, according to park district officials.

Supervisor Maria VanderKolk, whose district includes Oak Park, said Monday that she recognizes the concerns of neighbors who worry that the facility will attract too many organized sports activities, leading to problems with noise, parking and loitering.

But she said she sees “a crying need” for sports fields in the community.

The supervisor said she is searching for a compromise that may lower the level of activity in the park. She may ask park district officials to build a smaller pavilion or to allow only one league game, such as soccer or softball, at a time.

But a group of residents who support the park as proposed said they are concerned that any changes in the park’s design will only delay its construction.

Tami Lawler said she and other residents have collected nearly 1,000 signatures supporting the development of the park--as planned--as soon as possible.