Pepper Tree Playfield facts for kids
Pepper Tree Playfield is a large community park in Newbury Park, California. It covers about 21.7 acres, which is like 16 football fields! The park is a great place for outdoor fun and sports. It got its name from the many pepper trees that grow around the area.
The park is managed by the Conejo Recreation & Park District (CRPD). They bought the land in 1977, but it wasn't ready for visitors until 1983. Since then, it has become a popular spot for people of all ages.
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What Can You Do at Pepper Tree Playfield?
Pepper Tree Playfield offers many cool things to do. It's a perfect place to get active and enjoy nature.
Sports and Games
The park has lots of space for different sports:
- Soccer fields: There are four soccer fields where teams can play.
- Softball fields: You'll find two softball fields for games.
- Playground: Kids can have fun on the playground equipment.
- Fitness trail: There's a 0.83-mile loop trail, great for running or walking.
Many people come here for activities like football, cross country running, and even bird watching!
Park Features
Pepper Tree Playfield has everything you need for a fun day out:
- Parking: There are three parking areas for visitors.
- Bleachers: You can sit on bleachers that hold up to 120 people, perfect for watching games.
- Picnic areas: There are picnic tables and structures where you can enjoy a meal outdoors.
Home to Youth Soccer
Pepper Tree Playfield is a very important place for youth soccer. It's one of the main homes for American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) Region 42, which is based in Newbury Park. During the AYSO season, which starts in September, hundreds of young players and their families come to the park. The fields are busy with games every weekend for half of the year!
Exploring Nearby Trails
The park is also a gateway to some amazing hiking trails. If you love to explore, you're in luck!
- Conejo Vista Trailhead: This trail is just north of the park in Old Conejo Open Space. It's an easy walk to get there.
- Knoll Trailhead: Also known as the Pepper Tree Vista Trail, this trailhead is right across the street from the park to the east, in Knoll Open Space.
- Conejo Mountain: You can even access trails that lead up to Conejo Mountain from Pepper Tree Playfield.
These trails are great for hiking, running, and enjoying the beautiful natural scenery around Newbury Park.
How to Get There
Getting to Pepper Tree Playfield is easy! It's located at 3720 Old Conejo Road.
If you're coming from the Ventura Freeway in Newbury Park:
- Take the exit for Wendy Drive.
- From Los Angeles: Turn left from the off-ramp onto Wendy Drive. Then, turn right immediately over the bridge onto Old Conejo Road, near the Mobil Station.
- From Ventura/Santa Barbara: Go straight from the off-ramp. This will put you directly on Old Conejo Road.
- After about one mile on Old Conejo Road, you will see Pepper Tree Playfield.