Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) invites the public to help shape the future of a 367-acre community park located on the CI campus. The University will host a workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the John Spoor Broome Library, Room 1360, to encourage public input, ideas and brainstorming.

“We want to learn who is likely to use the park, what features and amenities they’re seeking, and what types of recreational, educational and conservational activities they’d like to see,” said Caroline Doll, Director of Special Projects for Finance & Administration, who chairs the park’s Master Planning Committee.

The CSU Channel Islands University Park is an undeveloped expanse of foothills and meadows near the campus entrance bordered by Calleguas Creek. It is home to several hiking trials, dirt roads and a wide variety of native and non-native plants and wildlife. CI acquired the land from the County of Ventura in 2009 with the goal of creating a unique outdoor setting for the community to enjoy.

With funding sources scarce, development of the park will rely primarily on the availability of grants and community support. Future public workshops, an informational Web site, online survey, and focus groups are also planned, with the goal of creating a draft master plan in the fall of 2012.

Limited parking on campus will be available; please follow directional signs upon arriving at the campus. Parking is also available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road parking lot in Camarillo with bus service to and from the campus. Riders should board the VISTA Bus to the campus; the fare is $1.25 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org.

For more information, contact Caroline Doll, Chair of the Park Master Planning Committee and Director of Special Projects for Finance & Administration, at 805-437-3232 or caroline.doll@csuci.edu.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research.