City Begins Site Search for New Pool

For years, the Janss Pool, the backyard pool adjoining the landmark Janss home in Thousand Oaks, has been an escape from the heat for many local families.

But the City Council voted in March to demolish the pool, and local officials are scrambling to find a new place for people to swim.

A new high-end pool could cost as much as $100,000, compared with $40,000 for a no-frills pool. Just to tear down the pool will cost $24,000, said Tom Hare, the city’s facilities manager.

City staff probably won’t come back to the council with suggestions on where to build a new pool until later this summer, Councilwoman Linda Parks said. Parks, the only council member who wanted to repair and save the old pool.

City staff had proposed the Cameron Center as a potential location for a new pool, but the council in March decided to consider other options.

Mayor Dennis Gillette suggested the planned eight-acre Kimber Park site.

The park alone will cost up to $600,000 and include a picnic area and playground, said Tex Ward, director of the park district. Ward said the district is open to the idea, but the chances of that happening are unlikely.