Council asks staff to study Soul Park options, maintenance costs and county constraints

The council asked staff to begin formal outreach to Ventura County and return with options to improve public use of Soul Park, a county‑owned property long cherished by valley residents. Public commenter Brian Akins recounted the park's family‑history ties and urged preservation: "The Sools actually came to the valley in 1873... this beautiful spot will never be subdivided," he said, urging sensitive stewardship.

Staff framed the item as an early concept review and recommended first gathering county maintenance costs, any legal restrictions attached to the park's deed, and interest from local recreation groups. Bill Miley reminded council the county operates parks on a fee basis and that the park may not be revenue neutral; he recommended exploring a valleywide recreation district as one long‑term option. Council asked staff to provide acreage, current county maintenance costs, staffing needs, and potential models ranging from limited additional programming to full lease/operation options.