Case Statement

Libbey Bowl—the Heart of the Ojai Community

Set among majestic oak trees in the center of Ojai, Libbey Bowl has been the heart of Ojai’s community and cultural events for over 50 years. Originally designed by esteemed architects Austen Pierpont and Roy Wilson, it hosts numerous major events which have awarded Ojai considerable national and international recognition.

Libbey Bowl at Risk

The Bowl, as it is affectionately known by all Ojai residents, is now in need of mandatory rebuilding as wood rot and termites have compromised the structure beyond repair. Its legacy of community involvement, which began in 1957 when it was built for just $12,000 with hours of volunteer efforts, continues today as the community has rallied around the effort to save the Bowl. The cost of the new and improved Bowl is estimated at $3 million. At this point, the Ojai Music Festival family has raised $1 million toward the effort. The City of Ojai and the Ojai Civic Association matched the Festival’s commitment of $1 million. Now it is up to our community to raise the remaining $1 million.

Financial Importance of Libbey Bowl

Currently, the Bowl hosts over 20 events each year. These events attract thousands of visitors and further the legacy of Ojai and Ventura County as a cultural arts destination for audience members throughout California, the nation and the world. Events in Libbey Bowl bring an estimated $3.5 million to the Ojai economy annually. The Bowl garners media attention and prestige, and drives cultural destination tourism, which is so important for nurturing Ojai’s tourist-based economy.

What Can You Do To Help?

BUY A BENCH | BUY A BRICK | JOIN THE BOWL BRIGADE!

Demolition of the Bowl is scheduled for June 2010 and if a new Bowl is to be built by 2011, we need you to take part in this historic community effort.