Bringing a Multi-Use Gymnasium to Camarillo: The First Step Toward a Stronger Community Hub
A Major Step Forward for Camarillo’s First Multi-Use Gymnasium
Project Update: February 2026
Following strong community support and a formal Board vote, Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District has selected a preferred conceptual design for a nearly 16,000-square-foot multi-use gymnasium – an important milestone in bringing expanded indoor recreation space to Camarillo. The project would enhance access to indoor sports, recreational programming for all ages and community gathering spaces for residents throughout Camarillo.
Project Update: Design Option Selected
In February 2026, the PVRPD Board of Directors voted to advance the conceptual design for Camarillo’s first multi-use gymnasium.
This decision follows overwhelmingly positive community feedback. In a survey conducted last summer, 90% of respondents expressed support for the need and desire to develop a new indoor recreation facility in Camarillo.
Working with nationally recognized architectural firm LPA Inc., three conceptual facility options were developed for review. After the Board's thoughtful consideration, a 16,000 square-foot design was selected. This facility design includes:
● One full-sized high-school basketball court or two parallel practice courts
● A flexible activity and multipurpose room
● Lobby and gathering space
● Restrooms
● Cubby storage
● A steel-frame structure designed to complement surrounding site architecture
What the Future Could Look Like
Below are conceptual renderings of the selected gymnasium design. These visuals represent the current design for the indoor recreation facility and will continue to evolve as the project advances through future phases.
Funding the Gymnasium
To date, $9 million has been allocated toward the multi-use gymnasium:
● $8 million from the City of Camarillo
● $1 million from PVRPD
Preliminary cost estimates for the selected design are approximately $20.5 million, leaving a funding gap that must be addressed before construction can move forward.
How PVRPD Is Funded
Unlike cities, PVRPD is not funded by local sales tax. The District receives approximately 4% of the 1% property tax paid annually by residents. Additional funding sources include:
● State and federal grants
● Developer impact fees (Quimby fees)
● Program revenue
These funding sources alone are not sufficient to fully fund a project of this scale.
Potential November 2026 Ballot Measure
To address the remaining funding gap, the District is evaluating the possibility of placing a special tax measure on the November 2026 ballot.
If placed on the ballot, the measure would require approval from two-thirds of Camarillo voters to pass.
Early estimates indicate the special tax would amount to approximately:
$35–$45 per year, per residence
If the measure advances, the final amount would be clearly stated prior to ballot placement. The District remains committed to keeping the community informed throughout this evaluation process.
What Happens Next?
The Districts indoor gymnasium project will continue through a structured review process:
● April 2026: A statistically valid community survey will be conducted to better understand voter sentiment.
● June 2026: Survey results will be presented publicly at a Board meeting.
● Summer 2026: The Board will determine whether to place a measure on the November ballot.
● November 2026: Potential community vote on a special tax measure.
Each step will be discussed in public meetings, and updates will continue to be shared here.
Stay informed – get email updates
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the design for the Camarillo multi-use gymnasium been finalized?
The Board has selected a conceptual design. Final design and construction documents would be developed if full funding is secured.
How does a multi-use gymnasium benefit me?
A multi-use gymnasium would expand opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities, including:
● Expanded youth and adult sports programming
● Year-round indoor recreation space
● Safe, structured activities for youth
● Community gathering and event space
● Tournament hosting potential to support local economic activity
● This project represents more than a building — it represents an investment in health, connection, and community vitality in Camarillo.
How much would the special tax cost Camarillo residents?
Early estimates indicate approximately $35–$45 per year per residence. If a measure advances to the ballot, the final amount would be clearly stated.
Will this replace existing recreation centers in Camarillo?
No. The proposed gymnasium would expand indoor recreation opportunities in Camarillo and complement existing parks and recreation facilities operated by PVRPD.
How can residents provide input on the gymnasium project?
Residents can attend Board meetings, participate in community surveys and sign up for project updates.
Learn More About PVRPD’s Impact
In addition to updates on the multi-use gymnasium, PVRPD’s 2025 Annual Report provides a deeper look at:
● Recently completed capital projects
● Parks and facility improvements
● How the District is funded
● Community participation and program growth
Stay Informed
Sign up to receive updates about the Multi-Use Gymnasium Project, public meetings and important milestones.
Click Here to Receive Updates
PAST UPDATES:
Project Update: October 2025
The community has spoken — and your voices are guiding the future of recreation in Camarillo. Nearly 600 residents participated in our latest survey on the proposed Multi-Use Gymnasium project.
This milestone reflects both community priorities and the District’s commitment to thoughtful, transparent planning for its parks and recreation facilities.
Key Findings:
- 90% of respondents believe Camarillo would benefit from a gymnasium.
- 75% say year-round indoor recreation facilities are very important.
- Over 50% were unaware PVRPD is already operating at maximum indoor capacity.
- Community support for a potential Community Facility Bond measure increased by nearly nine percentage points compared to the June 2024 survey.
What's Next:
- PVRPD’s Board has approved funds to begin concept development with an architectural firm.
- The District will continue community education and outreach efforts in the months ahead.
- In Spring 2026, PVRPD will partner with FM3 Global to conduct another survey to assess readiness for a potential bond measure.
Stay engaged and check back here for updates on how you can participate in the next steps.
Why a Gymnasium – and Why Now?
Meeting Immediate Needs, Building Long-Term Support
Camarillo is ready for a gymnasium. Our recreation programs are growing, but we're turning people away due to lack of space. A multi-use gymnasium will support sports, fitness classes, community events, and provide year-round access to safe, accessible indoor recreation that can serve the diverse needs and interests for residents of all ages. It’s the most impactful and achievable first step toward the expanded community center our residents deserve.
- Over 800,000 annual park users and rising
- Waitlists and lack of indoor capacity for sports and wellness programs
- Multi-use space = basketball, pickleball, fitness, classes, rentals, camps, badminton
- Year-round indoor access during extreme heat, rain or smoke events
- Ample space for community use and refuge during emergencies and natural disasters
Phase 1: Gymnasium Today. Full Community Center Tomorrow.
Our Multi-Phase Vision
Phase 1: Gymnasium Today. Full Community Center Tomorrow.
Rather than asking the community to fund an entire expansion up front, we’re proposing a multi-phase plan that begins with a gymnasium. With early momentum and community use, we can build support for completing the larger vision in the future.
Who We Are – And Who We’re Not
A Special Recreation District.
Many residents are unsure whether parks and recreation fall under the City’s responsibilities. In fact, the Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District (PVRPD) is a separate agency with a board elected by, the residents of the district, established to serve Camarillo's recreational needs. This project is being led by PVRPD, while partnering with the City for funding support. This quick guide clarifies the difference — so you’ll know exactly why this project matters and who’s behind it.
Funding This Project
How Is This Being Paid For?
Transparency is important to us. Phase 1 of the project will be partially funded through a mix of local, state and city contributions — but that alone won’t be enough to complete Phase 1. PVRPD is exploring pursuing a special tax.
● City has committed $8 million to support capital improvements; PVRPD has committed $1 million
● Estimated cost for Phase 1 is near $20 million based on initial estimates
● PVRPD is exploring additional grant funding and partnerships, as well as a special tax
RECORDED TOWN HALL
We’ve concluded our four town halls that took place in July and August. If you weren’t able to attend, we recorded one of our virtual presentations that you can watch at your convenience.
Documents
Voter Opinion/Polling Service RFPFM3 Research Results2025 Annual UpdateMultiuse Gymnasium Renderings Presentation
Questions?
Mary Otten, General Manager
motten@pvrpd.org, 805.482.1996