The Collection at Riverpark is an outdoor shopping center located on the northeast side of the 101 freeway in Oxnard, between the Oxnard and Vineyard exits. If you're driving the 101 freeway through Oxnard/Ventura, you can't miss it!

The Collection is a 650,000 sq ft center will include a combination of entertainment, retail, restaurants, various services, open space with fountains, parks and playgrounds and quality art. Parking is available on the streets as well as several parking lots.

Businesses open at The Collection as of February 2013 included a nicely appointed Target store, Century Theaters and recent additions Panera Bread, Five Guys Burgers, Color Me Mine Pottery Studio, Kabuki Sushi and Massage Envy.

Opening in Spring 2013 is the hotly awaited REI Store (March 22nd!), Whole Foods, Gen Korean BBQ, Famous Dave's BBQ, Gandolfo's Delicatessen, Bank of America and Starbucks. A 12,000 sq ft Yard House eatery has been proposed for the center.

More recently, Shea announced that later this year, a 25,000 sq ft H&M store, ROC/Republic of Couture, Charming Charlie, ULTA Beauty and Sleep Number are coming to The Collection.

There is unique public art placed throughout the center, including metal sculptures, ceramic tile murals, fountains and more. Shea Properties has spent around $1 million on art, bringing in seven artists for 18 individual art installations. Artists include Frank Bauer with his ceramic tile murals and benches and tile sidewalk medallions, and Michael Amescua with his cut metal sculptures. Shea Properties has also partnered with the National Park Service to create a massive mural of the Channel Islands on the outside wall of REI. And the mural inside Kabuki is all hand-painted.

Visit www.shoppingthecollection.com or visit their Facebook page to learn more. To get there from the 101 North, exit on Oxnard Boulevard and turn right. Turn right again on Town Center Drive.