Parks Assessment

The Conejo Recreation and Park District is proposing a modest $25 annual assessment for property owners to protect and enhance the parks, programs and open space in the community.

As a member of the senior citizens community and president of the Goebel Senior Center Commission, I have experienced firsthand the importance of parks and the district’s programs. Not only does the Goebel Center serve the needs of more than 10,000 seniors a month with dances, classes, workshops, special events and traditional activities such as bingo and bridge, the center also has outreach programs such as the senior softball league and the Old Kranks Bicycle Club. These programs might not exist if not for the district’s efforts.

It is of the utmost importance that the programs, open space and facilities under the district’s stewardship be maintained and enhanced for future generations. The annual assessment would ensure this.

JOHN DOANE

Thousand Oaks

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I have lived in the Conejo Valley for more than 30 years and have seen this community mature from a small town of 20,000 people to the more than 120,000 who reside here today. Thousand Oaks has become an ideal place to live, work and play.

This did not happen by accident. It was managed through the careful planning of agencies such as the Conejo Recreation and Park District, which has preserved a magnificent open-space tableau and created park amenities and recreational and cultural opportunities.

The district is asking property owners to invest $25 a year to ensure the proper maintenance and expansion of this extraordinary park and open-space system.

Some will say “I don’t use parks, so why should I support this?” The reason is simple. Your $25 annual investment will help to maintain and enhance the quality of life here. Because it is common knowledge that the quality of life in a community is directly linked to the value of a property, each homeowner’s tiny investment will return itself exponentially over the years.

STEVE WILEY

Thousand Oaks