Development of College Park

Re “City Close to Taking Over College Park,” March 20.

I have followed the development of College Park for 20 years and have been diligently trying to get the park developed for five years. Here are the features I have been told are in the joint-powers agreement:

* Children’s playground.

* Two or three ball fields, either soccer or softball.

* Swimming pool.

* Ceremonial garden.

* Nine-hole golf course and perhaps driving range.

Everyone I have talked to thinks the above would be an excellent use of the park. No one thinks the Big League Dreams [pay-to-play softball facility] is a good idea. Although there is a segment of the population that wants 11 soccer fields, this is not feasible because College Park is deeded as a regional park and 11 soccer fields do not qualify as a regional park.

I understand that the swimming pool would not be entirely self-supporting. However, I have always presumed that the revenues generated from the golf course and the ceremonial garden would be used to offset any deficit that the pool generated. The ceremonial garden, used in conjunction with the existing barbecue area, should generate at least $10,000 a month. If the ceremonial garden were marketed correctly it would probably generate twice that amount. The revenue from the golf course would, of course, depend on the arrangement with the vendor.

I have never expected the park to be built all at once. The barbecue area alone was done in several phases. However, you cannot apply for grant money until the joint-powers agreement is signed. At a bare minimum, community development block grant money could be applied for. Although the park is in Oxnard, county CDBG money could be used because residents in the unincorporated area will use the park.

I will continue to push for development of College Park as outlined above until someone tells me that it is not feasible.

LOIS JONES

Oxnard

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For years my family and I have enjoyed College Park as a vacant area for walking and biking. We have enjoyed the bird-watching that this small oasis has to offer--from American kestrels to red-tailed hawks and owls of all kinds. Once I had the pleasure of observing a Cooper’s hawk.

Over this time span a small pay-for-use day facility and amphitheater have been installed; other than these improvements, nothing has been done. It now seems that Oxnard and Ventura County are seeking to collaborate to facilitate some improvements of this area.

There has been talk of a small golf course and community swimming pool and a ceremonial garden. These would be fine with area residents. However, the city of Oxnard, after its dismal failure with minor league baseball at Oxnard College, is pushing for a commercial-style softball entity known as Big League Dreams Sports Park. This would be a major sports entertainment attraction not unlike a Disneyland for softball players. Its implementation would preclude the use of the park by the general public.

I, for one, would not want one cent of my tax dollar to go for such a venue. If the land is deeded to the city, the residents of our neighborhoods will have to go to battle.

I cannot fathom the city’s fixation with baseball at College Park. The mistake must not be made to give Oxnard control of what is going to be established at College Park. The final say must remain with the county.

This park must raise the quality of life for the surrounding residents and make our area a preferable place to reside.

DENNIS C. RALPH

Oxnard