Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Hires New General Manager
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District selected Steve Wright as its new district manager following a search that drew more than 100 applicants. Wright begins August 3.
Wright brings 30 years of experience in public parks and recreation. He most recently served as Chief of Strategic Partnerships for Harris County Precinct Four in Houston, Texas. Before that, he directed parks and recreation departments for the cities of College Station and Houston. He also worked as Vice President of Operations, Business Development, and Healthy Living for the YMCA of Greater Houston.
The hiring marks a return home for Wright, who lived in Simi Valley for years while raising his daughters with his wife.
"I am at the stage of my career where my primary focus is to be part of a legacy team," Wright said. "I have the passion to continue to help advance the quality of life embodied by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, and I know that alongside the dedicated Board, staff and constituents, we could continue to provide for and improve upon the quality of life for those who call the district region home."
Wright will manage operations across 133 square miles. The district employs nearly 100 full-time staff and 500 part-time workers. It operates 51 developed parks, 21 facilities, and a trail network that serves Simi Valley and Oak Park. The district also acquires and preserves open space.
Board Chair Brian Dennert said Wright's background fits what the district needs now.
"The board is excited to welcome Steve Wright home," Dennert said in a statement. "His talents, experiences, and passion will help us deliver on our projects and programs for the community he's returning to."
Wright replaces Dan Paranick, who retires after eight years as district manager. RSRPD directors conducted the search and narrowed the field before selecting Wright.
Wright will attend his first Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, August 5. The district posts information on programs and events at rsrpd.org.
The district manages parks and recreation services for a region that includes most residential areas of Simi Valley and neighboring Oak Park. Its facilities include sports fields, community centers, and preserved open space in the hills surrounding the valley.
Wright's first months will focus on understanding current operations and working with the board on upcoming projects. The district recently completed upgrades to several parks and continues planning additional improvements across its service area.
The return puts Wright back in a city he knows well. His family history here and his experience managing large park systems in Texas cities position him to lead a district that serves a growing population.
His background in both public sector parks management and nonprofit leadership through the YMCA gives him experience in community programming, facility operations, and partnership development. Those skills will apply directly to managing a district that depends on collaboration with city government, schools, and community groups.
The district oversees a budget that funds year-round programming for residents of all ages. Its parks host youth sports leagues, summer camps, senior programs, and special events throughout the year. The trail system connects neighborhoods to open space and provides access to hiking and biking routes in the surrounding hills.
Wright takes over as the district continues work on capital projects approved in recent years. Several parks have received new playgrounds, updated lighting, and improved athletic facilities. The district also maintains trails and preserves land to prevent development in sensitive areas.
His experience in Texas included managing urban park systems that serve diverse populations. In Houston, he oversaw operations for one of the largest municipal park systems in the country. That work included facility management, public programming, and collaboration with neighborhood groups.
At the YMCA, Wright focused on programs that promote health and community connection. That background aligns with the district's mission to provide recreation opportunities that improve quality of life for residents.
The August 5 board meeting will give residents their first chance to meet Wright in his new role. The district holds regular public meetings where residents can learn about programs and voice concerns about parks and facilities. Meeting schedules and agendas are available on the district website.
The park district did not have a photo of Wright available as of July 20.
