California Construction News staff writer
The City of Oxnard marked a major milestone Friday with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Campus Park Activation Project, launching construction on the long-anticipated transformation of the former Oxnard High School campus into a public park.
The $23.1-million project will transform the 26-acre vacant site at 350 S. K St. into a regional recreational destination.
“This groundbreaking achievement is a significant milestone made possible through years of collaboration, the involvement of community members who never gave up, and the City’s dedication to securing grant funding and bringing this project to life,” said Mayor Luis A. Mc Arthur.
The site, acquired by the city in the early 2000s, has remained a priority for redevelopment for decades as officials sought funding to activate the former school grounds. Construction of the first phase is expected to be completed in fall 2027.
Funding comes primarily from state and federal grants, including $8.5 million from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, $3.5 million from the California Natural Resources Agency, $3.5 million from the California Department of Transportation and $6.7 million from the National Park Service. The city is also contributing local funds and development impact fees.
The first phase will include a skatepark, bicycle pump track, playground, Pelota Mixteca court, multiuse lawns, pavilion, community garden and walking trails, along with upgraded basketball courts. The project also includes stormwater improvements and the planting of about 250 trees.
City officials said Campus Park was shaped through extensive community input, including six workshops in 2019 and feedback collected during the city’s 2021 Parks and Recreation Master Plan process.
The final design reflects community priorities for recreation, environmental sustainability and long-term maintenance, with additional phases planned in the future.
