Food, Games Planned for Park Opening

City officials are inviting the public to attend the grand opening celebration of Juan Bautista de Anza Park today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event will include music, food, games, the presentation of a time capsule and an auction of old Calabasas street signs.

“It’s going to be a zoo, but we like it that way, at least for the grand opening,” said Greg Johnson, Calabasas community services director.

The $1.8-million, 8-acre park took a year to build and was the first major recreational facility constructed by the city.

The playground portion was completed in August, but city officials waited until the recreation center was finished to hold the grand opening.

Located on the corner of Las Virgenes and Lost Hills roads, Juan Bautista de Anza Park is named for the 18th century Spanish frontier captain who passed through Calabasas before founding what is now the city of San Francisco.

Johnson said the city will show off the contents of a time capsule, mostly Calabasas memorabilia, that will be buried sometime soon in the park. Residents will be able to make suggestions for other items to be included.

The park boasts a multiuse game court, three play areas and exercise equipment for teenagers and adults.

The recreation center will house a variety of classes sponsored by the city’s Parks and Recreation and Community Service departments.

Instructors of many activities, such as golf, roller hockey and dance, will be on hand today to demonstrate their programs.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m.