Thousand Oaks Will Vote on Pickleball Court Expansion

The park district is deciding on a plan to add 12 pickleball courts at Conejo Creek Park West.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in National Parks

Thousand Oaks Will Vote on Pickleball Court Expansion

Live Poll

Should the city prioritize adding new sports courts over preserving quiet space for existing park activities?

The Conejo Recreation and Park District board of directors will vote on a draft concept plan on Oct. 15, 2026, to construct 12 new pickleball courts. This proposal aims to address public interest by utilizing 1 acre of the 40-acre Conejo Creek Park West site at 1350 Avenida de las Flores.

Why it matters

A 2024 survey and 2025 outreach meetings identified pickleball as a top recreational priority for the public. However, the proposal faces opposition from the local Equestrian Trails Inc. chapter, which cites concerns that noise from the game could spook horses and pose safety risks to riders.

The plan for 12 new courts includes additional site improvements such as a picnic area and upgrades to existing equestrian arenas. The park currently hosts 40 equestrian events and 2,000 riding lessons annually, with an estimated $30,000 required for a mandatory environmental impact review.

The players

Conejo Recreation and Park District

This is the local government agency responsible for managing parks, community facilities, and recreational programming in Thousand Oaks.

Equestrian Trails Inc.

This organization represents local riding enthusiasts and manages various equestrian programs and events within the Thousand Oaks park system.

The details

Design plans position the proposed courts more than 300 feet from the nearest equestrian area and 450 feet from the community garden, utilizing landscaped berms to mitigate impacts. The park district currently manages 18 total courts, yet residents continue to face high demand for recreational facilities in the area.

Public interest in pickleball was highlighted in a 2024 survey.
Public outreach meetings regarding recreational uses were held in 2025.
Two meetings regarding noise concerns occurred in April 2026.
The board of directors is scheduled to vote on the draft concept plan on October 15, 2026.

Travel Outlook

This project reflects the ongoing pressure on municipal park systems to accommodate the rapid expansion of pickleball popularity. As sport participation rises, cities are increasingly forced to balance these high-demand courts against the historical land-use needs of other established community groups.

Residents should be aware that approval of this plan could lead to several years of construction activity at Conejo Creek Park West. Those planning to use the park for equestrian activities or community garden visits should monitor the district website for future site access updates.

The takeaway

The proposed expansion highlights the increasing challenge of managing shared public spaces amidst shifting recreational priorities. Residents interested in park planning should stay informed about upcoming district meetings to ensure their voices are heard regarding local facility upgrades.

What happens next

The Conejo Recreation and Park District board will convene for the scheduled vote on October 15, 2026, to determine whether to proceed with the draft concept plan and the associated environmental impact review.