Club plans new park
By Jesse Phelps

While the "Y" shopping center may be most notable for its variety of local businesses, striking workers have grabbed much of the attention of late. Across the way, where the Ojai bike trail heads off toward the downtown area, there isn't much of anything going on at all.

All that may be about to change. Soon the area may feature an ornate little park which organizers hope would provide a more aesthetically pleasing entry into the city and provide amenities for equestrians, cyclists, walkers, even picnickers.

The Ojai Planning Commission heard an extensive presentation Wednesday night from a combination of people including Public Works Director Doug Breeze, Rotary Club of Ojai West representative Les Gardner and landscape architect Tom Bostrom.

The disparate parties have formed a coalition, of sorts. Though they haven't all come to full agreement on every detail of the plan, Bostrom brought a detailed concept design before the commission, which happily provided an abundance of feedback on various bones of contention.

A wall that would surround the park created much of the buzz. Bostrom's plan showed an undulating, medium-height stone wall, but Gardner and others said they'd prefer a post-and-rail setup.
Gardner, who owns Attitude Adjustment Shoppe, one of the more recognizable businesses in at the "Y," cited Cluff Vista Park in downtown Ojai as an example of what he didn't want across the street from his store. He said he was "uncomfortable" with Cluff Vista because on the Ojai Avenue side - the most traversed side - it looks closed off. With a stone wall around what might eventually be called Rotary Park, he said, "The people driving by won't really be able to see it."

The commis-sioners were also divided by the wall.
Craig Brown said he thought it shouldn't stand too high. Chair Tucker Adams said she considers the wall an "important safety feature", one that can potentially keep children in the park out of harm's way. "I think a stone wall is safer than a post-and-rail fence," she said.
John Mirk agreed, advocating a higher stone wall that would enclose visitors and offer more privacy. Said Mirk, "Even if the experience is limited driving by, I'd want another experience within."

Several times, Breeze mentioned that Cal-Trans require ments state that the park's elements should not to draw too much attention from drivers that it would create a safety hazard. Bostrom said that the purpose of the higher wall would be to adhere to the Cal-Trans specifications. The groups also seeks Cal-Trans cooperation in adding wood frames to the corner's traffic signs.

The wall would include a built-in "Welcome to Ojai" sign. The park would include an equestrian area, potentially with a trough, a small parking lot, which will eventually include electric vehicle charging stations, picnic areas and an informational directional kiosk.
In addition, the trailhead would be enhanced and the entire intersection detailed for a better aesthetic. A large metal horse sculpture has been commissioned and designed for inclusion within the park by reknown local artist Ted Gall.

Breeze said that utility hookups will be installed underground for the eventual construction of a bathroom and, possibly, a concession area. Extra grant money recently discovered will also allow the designers to include enhanced bridge and shade structures.

Another debated topic was accent lighting. Commissioners Fay and Mirk expressed a desire to see non-obtrusive, soft lighting wherever possible.

One issue not directly addressed by the commission is Rotary's desire to name the finished product "Rotary Park." Gardner said the club has undertaken the project for a special reason.

Rotarians, celebrating their centennial anniversary in 2005, have a mandate to make a special community contribution as part of the festivities. As such, they have pledged, said Gardner, to donate $100,000 for construction plus the caretaking of the property in perpetuity.

© 2003 The Ojai Valley News

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