by Rev. Fred Pierson

Back in 1959, my father and mother, Mel and Marge Pierson, acquired this property in Malibu's Escondido Canyon and extended their private recreational facilities for the benefit of the Los Angeles community. Born as Surf Malibu, our basecamp here at Phoenix connected people with facilities for a 500-person day camp, a 200-person nursery school, an overnight camp and a private swim club with numerous activities. My parents believed their own home-cooked recreational facility could provide quality and a variety of activities unlike any county or city facility and they did just that. Now, with nearly 40 years history of family-run recreation and sport, Escondido Phoenix Retreat extends its facilities to the public with new programs designed to meet the needs of our contemporary society.

In 1990, Friends of Phoenix was established as a non-profit group whose aim is to continue the tradition of community recreation and promote a greater respect for the land while helping each other maintain that essential connection with Nature. This is our educational purpose whose benefits are apparent to those who spend time here enjoying our facilities and the natural surroundings of this canyon.

We are primarily dedicated to preserving, in its natural state, an expanse of acreage which surrounds our Retreat in Escondido Canyon in Malibu. Friends of Phoenix is committed to the preservation of this very special property and to assist our youth in remaining connected to Nature.

One of the prime thrusts of the Friends of Phoenix is to promote community awareness of this environment and preserve this unique area which has a history of Chumash tribal grounds, generations of recreational life, and is a natural sanctuary for canyon wildlife. It deserves the title, Nature Sanctuary.

Friends of Phoenix will acquire and preserve this special area of Malibu for future generations so that the property will remain in its natural state and always be accessible to the community and wildlife. Our intent is to hold ongoing classes, events, seminars, meetings and friendly gatherings and keep the energy of community flowing in harmony with Nature's Laws.

We have created membership opportunities and ways for you to participate and experience the essential connection with this land and what our community has to offer. Your participation will help to make sure that the intent of the Friends of Phoenix will be realized and that this sanctuary of Escondido canyon will remain the special place in the sun that it has been for centuries.

By joining Friends of Phoenix, you will have access and a connection to a place in Nature near you that you are helping protect what building developers would easily take away. Therefore, we have chosen to preserve eternally, the natural beauty and spiritual essence of this canyon.

Thank you for taking the time to read about our community. We look forward to your visit where you may enjoy and center yourself in the canyon.

Harmony, Peace, Love and Goodness,

Rev. Fred Pierson
Founder of Friends of Phoenix
For more info. please call (310) 457 5119 or 866-457-5119