Old Meadows Park

Natural Setting

Situated in Thousand Oaks, California, Old Meadows Park sprawls across 31 acres of land, offering that perfect mix of wild nature and thoughtful facilities. The oak trees here are quite impressive, creating a beautiful backdrop that makes everyday walks more enjoyable.

What's nice is that only six acres have been developed, meaning most of the park retains its natural charm. Several hiking trails meander through the untouched areas, giving you a chance to disconnect and enjoy some peaceful moments away from the usual hustle.

Therapeutic Recreation Focus

What really sets this park apart is its home to the Therapeutic Recreation Unit and the Conejo Valley Therapeutic Advisory Council (CVTAC). This special focus makes Old Meadows particularly welcoming if you or your loved ones have disabilities.

The CVTAC brings together parents, professionals, and community members for monthly meetings to support programming for people with disabilities. It's this collaborative spirit that helps the park continually evolve to meet everyone's needs.

Dreamcatcher Playground

The Dreamcatcher Playground is truly the heart of the park - a thoughtfully designed play area created with disabilities in mind. It's built to stimulate different senses and abilities, featuring unique elements like "Playville" (an adorable miniature village), elevated sand tables, and musical instruments including the Tenor Marimba.

After a 2017 remodel, the playground is now fully enclosed with a latched gate - a game-changer for parents with energetic kids who like to wander! About 60% of the playground is accessible, with surfaces ranging from sand to rubber to wood chips that make moving around easier for everyone.

Inclusive Design Features

The park's design really shines in how it welcomes visitors of all abilities. You'll discover rolling turf hills, plenty of shaded areas, tree log swings, seagull swings, harmony chimes, and cozy pod seats scattered throughout.

These features create spaces for both active play and quieter moments, accommodating different needs and preferences. The playground has enough variety to keep kids engaged, giving parents a chance to relax.

Amenities and Facilities

The basics here are solid - clean restrooms with water fountains and a cold water bottle refill station (which comes in handy more often than you'd think). There's ample shade throughout, making those hot California days much more bearable.

The spacious community center is available to rent for parties and events, with an outdoor back area where you can set up additional items for gatherings. It's a practical space that works well for everything from birthday parties to community meetings.

Recreation Areas

Beyond the playground, you'll come across an impressively large open field - think football field size - that's well-suited for impromptu sports, kite flying, or just letting the kids burn off energy while you catch your breath.

There are multiple picnic tables available on a first-come basis (though some may be reserved with venue bookings). If you're bringing kids to the playground, you'll appreciate the thoughtfully placed seating areas nearby that let you keep an eye on them while taking a break.

Visitor Experience

Tucked away in a quiet residential area, Old Meadows offers a peaceful retreat with plenty of parking that doesn't intrude on the neighboring homes. The beautiful oak trees and natural setting make for stunning backdrops if you're looking to snap some family photos, graduation pictures, or even professional headshots.

Dogs are welcome in the grassy areas but need to stay on leash. The park is open daily from 7AM to 10PM, giving you plenty of flexibility for morning jogs or evening strolls under the stars.