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.

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

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

Questions? 

Mary Otten, General Manager
motten@pvrpd.org, 805.482.1996