Officials, Residents Discuss Park Concerns

In another round of talks on the proposed Lindero Canyon Park, city officials visited a dozen residents of neighboring Thousand Oaks who are concerned about the noise that would be generated by the facility if it is built behind their property.

Homeowners on Blackbird Avenue and Golden Knoll Court told the city manager, planners and Councilwoman Betty De Santis that they might be able to live with the park, but not with a basketball/roller hockey court if it is placed, as indicated in the concept plan, directly alongside some of their homes.

“I think we all would be somewhat satisfied if it weren’t for the basketball courts,” resident Valerie Freedman said.

As they walked the officials through their backyards Monday evening to illustrate the impact the park would have, homeowners asked that the city consider putting the courts on the opposite side of the facility.

Residents also said they are opposed to an amphitheater planned for the far northwest side of the park in Ventura County.

But De Santis said that element would likely be stricken from the plan due to overwhelming opposition.

City Manager Ray Taylor said that plans for the park will be redrawn, and all the suggestions, as well as the results of an environmental impact report, will be taken into consideration.

He also said that many of the concerns raised by the community can be resolved by putting tight restrictions on the park’s hours and the public uses.

The City Council and most Westlake Village residents support the project because it will enable children to participate in sports in their home city.

But many living along Hedgewall and Landino drives in Westlake Village also have expressed opposition to the municipal project, which would cover 33 acres on the east and west sides of Lindero Canyon Road, from Hedgewall to the county line.