CAMARILLO : Freedom Pool to Be Closed in Summer

Camarillo park officials have confirmed that Freedom Pool at Camarillo Airport will be closed this summer for the first time in 13 years.

Although Freedom Pool is the only outdoor public pool in Camarillo, the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District also operates the indoor Pleasant Valley Pool, which is open year-round.

The park district decided last year to close Freedom Pool this summer to save about $100,000 in maintenance and staff costs, district General Manager Eldred E. Lokker said.

Built by the federal government when the airport was an Air Force base, the 27-yard-long pool came under park district control in 1976.

The district closed the pool for two years to save money after Proposition 13 passed in 1978, Lokker said.

The pool will be maintained so it can be reopened once the district recovers financially, he said.

At Pleasant Valley Pool, the district will continue to offer classes in scuba, swimming and other aquatic activities. Registration is open for all classes beginning in June, including sports camps and courses in dance and band.

Classes are available for toddlers, older children and adults at costs of $10 to $50, recreation director Bob Stallings said.

Residents may register at the district office, 1605 E. Burnley St. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. For information, call 482-1996.