Proposed Water Park All Wet, Some Residents Say

A proposed multimillion-dollar water recreation area being considered for De Anza Park has some residents and city officials concerned about crowds, noise and property values of nearby homes.

The City Council is scheduled to consider a revised proposal for the project, known as the Calabasas Swim Center West, at its April 28 meeting.

At meetings in February and March, some residents decried the plan, which includes water slides, a lazy river and swimming pool as well as  a play area for children. The center would cost the city an estimated $6 to $7 million and be constructed on about an acre and a half of the eight-acre park.

Robbie Amadio, a Calabasas resident, said she has gathered 75 signatures on a petition opposing the center.

"The noise generated … will destroy the peace and tranquility of the area," Amadio said at a March 10 council meeting. "That's the reason many of us moved to Calabasas. A proposed water park will bring increased traffic."

The center might further harm the "already depressed" property values of those who live near De Anza Park, Amadio said.

Councilman James Bozajian took issue with an artistic rendering of the center, which included so many palm trees--a rarity in Calabasas--that he likened it to Las Vegas. "I for one would prefer it not to look like a resort," he said. "I'd like to see it blend in a little more with the natural area."

Councilwoman Mary-Sue Maurer expressed concern that the center would eliminate a chunk of open space.

"It's such a dramatic change for me," Maurer said.

But she said she is open to considering the project nonetheless. "For the community I think that there could be great value here," she said. "I think this could really be the new family center for the city."

The idea for the swim center stems from a 2003 parks survey conducted by the city in which residents expressed interest in a swimming pool on the west side of town.

Another factor the council will take up is the matter of parking. De Anza is the most developed city park but has parking for only 40 cars. 

Jeff Rubin, Calabasas' community services director, said the city is considering building the center on a flat parcel of land adjacent to De Anza Park's roller hockey rink. He suggested that the city could retain the same overall amount of usable open space by flattening another area of the park for community use.

Meetings and workshops with residents to discuss the water park are in the works, Rubin said.