Frequently Asked Questions
Who is working to make a park?
This is a grassroots effort! A group of locals formed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Meiners Oaks Park, - the MOP - in the fall of 2021 to create a park for kids and adults of all ages. After hearing about the park many residents and businesses of the Valley stepped up and volunteered their skills and services.
All our elected representatives including District 1 Supervisor Matt LaVere, Assemblyman Steve Bennett, State Senator Monique Limon, and Congressman Salud Carbajal support the park.
We need your help too! Click here for ways to help.
Where is the new park located?
312 E. El Roblar Drive in Meiners Oaks
Who owns the property?
The 2-acre property is owned by the County of Ventura
Can kids play there?
Yes! Kids can go outside and play there! They can explore, play, imagine and create. There will be natural play structures of all types and sizes, things to stack and build, and wonders of nature to discover.
Why now?
If kids don’t enjoy nature now, who will advocate for nature tomorrow?
How much will it cost to build the park and when will the park be open to the public?
The cost is estimated to be $2 million for planning and construction and $2 million for a Maintenance Endowment once it is finished. The expected completion date will take about two years once we secure funding and partners.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, this will be a wonderful place to walk with your dog. The friendly canine must be on a leash at all times.
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Will there be a public restroom?
Yes! A Portland Loo is a good option for a public restroom. It is a modern design focused on function and durability. The Loo is designed to deter criminal activity and meld into its surrounding environment.
What about parking?
Special effort will be made to ensure that the MOP is pedestrian and bike-friendly to reduce our carbon-footprint and to avoid additional traffic on El Roblar Drive. There will be regular and handicap parking spaces following county requirements.
How is this different from the Meadows?
Meiners Oaks Park and the Ojai Meadows Preserve are complementary. The goal of the Ojai Meadows Preserve is to preserve open space. The goal of Meiners Oaks Park is to invite spontaneous, unstructured play. There will be a ¼ mile walking path, pergola, chairs, and benches for gathering and enjoying the view, a public bathroom and drinking fountain, plus murals and sculptures that reflect our local culture and connection to nature.
How will the park be funded?
Funding for this project will come from federal and state funds, grant funds, and the generous donations of individuals, non-profit organizations, and private foundations.
Is the soil contaminated?
No. The soil is not contaminated. Furthermore, any development of the site will be subject to environmental review (CEQA) and will more than likely require a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment. A Phase 1 Environmental Assessment is an investigation of a property’s current and historical use as viewed through a variety of environmental lenses. This process determines if there is a potential for any hazardous conditions or other environmental concerns that might be present on the property, and if any mitigations are required for the project to move forward.
Who will take responsibility for the park?
Care for the park will be a public/private partnership between the County of Ventura and Meiners Oaks Park 501(c)(3). Details of the partnership will be finalized as the project progresses. The property is not located within the Ojai city limits.
I’d like to help
Thank you for asking! We need volunteers and financial support to make this happen. If you’d like to get involved, visit our “Ways to Help” page or send and email to imaginemopark@gmail.com and a member of the MOP Working Group will get back to you.