Rancho Conejo Playfields — Attraction in Thousand Oaks

Revised Review of Rancho Conejo Playfields

Rancho Conejo Playfields is a 13-acre recreational gem for sports enthusiasts, families, and outdoor lovers. Here's a comprehensive breakdown:

Overview Size & Accessibility: 13 acres of well-maintained green space with wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, and facilities. Hours: Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Key Features include ample parking (60 stalls), nighttime lighting for select courts, and proximity to a scenic 7-mile hiking trail.

Sports & Recreation Courts & Fields: Pickleball: 6 lighted courts (sunset to 10 p.m.) with a fair paddle-holder system for busy times. Tennis: 2 lighted courts (sunset to 10 p.m.). Basketball: 1 lighted court. Softball: 2 reservable fields (unlit). Open Turf: Space for soccer, baseball, or casual play.

Trail Access: Adjacent to a moderately strenuous 7-mile loop trail (1,300 ft elevation change), with a trailhead at the east end of the parking lot.

Family-Friendly Amenities Playgrounds: Two distinct play areas: Main Structure: Large slides, climbing zones, and colorful, imaginative designs (kids love the animal-shaped rides!). Secondary Structure: Smaller slides and balance blocks for younger children. Picnic Areas: 2 first-come, first-served tables and barbecue stations. Kid-Friendly Extras: Ideal for birthdays, hikes, and unstructured play thanks to the park's spacious, uncrowded layout.

Visitor Comfort Restrooms: Clean, on-site facilities. Shade & Seating: Plentiful benches, shady trees, and water fountains. Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome (on leash), making it popular with pet owners.

Atmosphere & Design Clean & Green: Lush landscaping, grassy fields, and mature trees create a serene, inviting environment. Spacious Layout: Creative design spreads amenities across the park, preventing crowding even during peak use. Nighttime Use: Well-lit courts and pathways extend usability after dark.

Considerations Limited Picnic Reservations: Only two picnic tables are available for casual use; plan early for gatherings. Softball Field Lighting: No lights on the softball fields—ideal for daytime games only.

Final Thoughts Rancho Conejo Playfields is a versatile destination for active families, sports leagues, and nature lovers. Its thoughtful design, abundant amenities, and proximity to hiking trails make it a standout community space. Whether swinging a pickleball paddle, cheering at a softball game, or enjoying a picnic under the trees, this park promises a fun, hassle-free outing.

Tip: Arrive early on weekends to secure picnic spots, and don't forget to explore the adjacent trail for...

Unwelcoming and Judgmental Community "I visited this court on Father's Day, looking forward to spending quality time with my son and playing pickleball. It's been a tough week for my family, having lost a loved one just a few days prior. I was eager to take my mind off things and create some positive memories with my son.

As I started playing, my son initially watched from the sidelines. But then, he was invited to join another game by some friendly players. I was happy to see him having fun, even if it meant he wasn't playing with me.

However, my joy was short-lived. A veteran player, who seemed to be a regular at the court, began criticizing me loudly, assuming I had abandoned my son to play pickleball. She made snide comments, questioning my parenting and implying that I was neglecting my son.

What she didn't know was that my son had chosen to come with me to the court, and he was having a great time playing with others. Her assumptions and judgmental attitude were not only unwarranted but also hurtful, especially given the difficult week my family has been through.

When I politely tried to explain the situation, she continued to argue and belittle me. Her behavior was unacceptable, and it ruined my experience at the court. The toxicity and elitism displayed by this player left a sour taste in my mouth.

While the court itself may be good, the unfriendly and judgmental community makes it a place I wouldn't recommend. If you're a newcomer or looking for a supportive environment, beware of this court. The negativity and criticism from some players may make you feel unwelcome, just like it...

Terrific park. Located just outside the 24 hour guard gated community of Rancho Conejo Village, the playfield features 2 softball fields, a lighted basketball court, 2 lighted tennis courts and a large jungle gym area with the all important 2 purple dinosaurs so little friends won't fight. The softball fields double as both soccer fields as well as lacrosse, often hosting area tournaments. There are drinking fountains, his and hers bathrooms with changing tables and a trailhead off the parking lot's east end that leads down into "La Barranca." Please be advised that this trail can be treacherous and every few years some knucklehead goes rock diving into the pools below and kills himself after one too many libations. The parking lot has been enlarged so parking is ample with easy entrance and exit off Ventu Park Road. Multicultural, pick up soccer games, often in Spanish, are regular after work events, as are Sunday afternoon Crickett matches and the occasional Tai Chi group on Saturday morning. There are great views of the Thousand Oaks July 4th fireworks display but arrive a before sundown because the though it's not nearly as hectic as parking at the Oaks Mall, it still fills up. There are trees but not an over abundance of shade so you might want to...