Arneill Ranch Park to reopen after yearlong closure and $1.5 million in renovations

Grand reopening is July 9



GO PLAY—Arneill Ranch Park in Camarillo is reopening after a yearlong renovation by the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District. Photos by MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers

GO PLAY—Arneill Ranch Park in Camarillo is reopening after a yearlong renovation by the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District. Photos by MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers

The Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District is inviting the community to celebrate the grand reopening of Arneill Ranch Park on July 9.

After a yearlong closure and $1.5 million in renovations, the park will feature a new nature trail and a bigger playground.

“A lot of people are antsy to get back out there,” Park Supervisor Nick Marienthal said. “I’m excited to see people enjoy it.”

Originally opened in 1980, Arneill Ranch is a 5-acre park at 1301 Sweetwater Avenue. It has a playground, running track, fitness equipment and restrooms.

After district staff determined that the park needed an upgrade, a master plan was completed in August 2019. Among work needed was significant grading to address drainage issues.

To gather feedback from residents regarding potential renovations, the park district held four community meetings.

Construction began in July 2021.

The underground electrical wiring was renovated; a new irrigation system was installed, and a nature trail was added at the south end of the park.

 

 

The running track was regraded, and the grass inside the running track was hydroseeded. The grass outside the running track was replaced with mulch beds and drought-tolerant plants.

“That will be a tremendous help,” Marienthal said regarding the city’s water conservation efforts.

Some of the fitness equipment was upgraded.

The renovated playground is larger than before and fully inclusive, providing access to those who are mobility-impaired. Marienthal said he is looking forward to seeing residents’ reaction to the new play structure.

The restrooms will be upgraded but will not be ready to use until late July or early August.

The renovations were paid for with money from developers’ fees as well as $443,000 in grants provided by 2018’s Parks and Water Bond Act.

The grand reopening is scheduled for 9 to 11 a.m. Sat., July 9 and will include a ribbon-cutting, lawn games, refreshments and giveaways.