Ojai council directs staff to pursue city‑run pool options, Lane 4 feasibility study and splash pad; forms ad hoc

The Ojai City Council on Tuesday authorized staff to pursue multiple pathways to expand public aquatic access, including a potential city‑run program at the Nordoff High School pool, a small feasibility study by Lane 4 fundraising, and investigation of a splash pad, and directed staff to involve the Parks & Recreation Commission.

"We would be happy to take any of that direction," staff member Rivera told the council as she outlined five options ranging from a city‑run program to creation of a valley‑wide special recreation district funded by a parcel tax.

Superintendent Cheryl Knox, representing Ojai Unified School District, told the council the district is eager to share the new $15 million Nordoff Aquatic Center with the community for evening, weekend and summer use but cannot underwrite community programming without a partner. "We are so eager to share our pool with the community," Knox said, while also noting state funding prioritized for instructional use.

Members of a newly formed community group, the Ojai Community Pool Foundation, urged the council to fund a Lane 4 feasibility study, arguing outside analysis is needed to estimate operating costs. Community speakers estimated annual operating costs in the range of $1 million and emphasized that a local study would help determine sustainable models for evenings, weekends and summer programs.

Council debate focused on short‑term, near‑term and long‑term options. Mayor Gilman moved — and Councilmember Whitman seconded — a motion asking staff to pursue options 1, 2 and 4 (city‑run model, Lane 4 study and splash pad), to involve the Parks & Recreation Commission in the work and to create an ad hoc committee comprised of Mayor Gilman and Councilmember Whitman to coordinate with the commission. The motion passed 4–1 on roll call.

What the council asked staff to do: begin a Lane 4 feasibility study (seeded at $10,000), report back to council on a potential city‑run program at Nordoff (including insurance, operations and schedule overlaps with school use), explore a splash pad feasibility (including possible use of existing park renovation funds), and coordinate all efforts with the Parks & Recreation Commission and community groups.

Next steps: staff said it would return with findings within roughly 90 days where feasible and would work with the Parks & Recreation Commission and the community group to harmonize schedules and goals.