New manager takes the helm at Rancho Simi Recs and Park District
Steve Wright returns after three decades leading parks systems in Texas
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District has a new district manager. Steve Wright started the job Aug. 3 after a search that drew more than 100 applicants. He brings 30 years of experience running parks and recreation systems in Texas and returns to a city where he once raised his children.
Wright most recently served as chief of strategic partnerships for Harris County Precinct Four in Houston. Before that, he directed parks and recreation departments in College Station and Houston. He also worked as vice president of operations for the YMCA of Greater Houston. He lived in Simi Valley for eight or nine years with his wife and their children before moving to Texas for work.
The district he now leads operates 51 developed parks, 21 facilities and a trail network across 133 square miles. It employs nearly 100 full-time staff and 500 part-time workers. The district serves Simi Valley and Oak Park. It also acquires and preserves open space to prevent development in sensitive areas.
Wright took the oath of office Aug. 5 at his first board meeting. City officials, school representatives and district directors attended. Mayor Dee Dee Cavanaugh told Wright he was taking over a strong district and said she looked forward to hearing his ideas. City Councilmember Elaine Litster called him the right person for the job. City Councilmember Joseph Ayala noted Wright's experience with youth programs. City Councilmember Rocky Rhodes spoke about the partnership between the city and the parks district, which operate as separate entities but serve the same residents.
Dawn Smollen, speaking for the Simi Valley Unified School District, said all her children attended parks and recreation preschool programs. She called the district's open spaces and parks essential and said parks, schools and the city work as partners.
RSRPD Director Ed Abele told Wright the district has accomplished a lot but also needs to restore public trust. He said employees are ready to help and the community is supportive. Abele noted that he and Wright had already met to discuss priorities. He also mentioned they both own Labrador retrievers.
RSRPD Director Kimberly Cofield, the board's vice chair, said Wright brings the right personality to the role. RSRPD Director Eric Lundstrom said Wright is joining an organization with a good foundation and a mix of large and small projects that will need to be prioritized. RSRPD Director Brooke Grayson said she is ready for this new chapter with fresh ideas.
Board Chair Brian Dennert said Wright's background fits what the district needs. "His talents, experiences and passion will help us deliver on our projects and programs for the community he's returning to," Dennert said in an earlier statement.
Wright replaces Dan Paranick, who retired after eight years as district manager.
Wright told the board his decision to return came down to culture and community. He described himself as a relationship-oriented leader who listens before acting. He said his role is to carry out the board's direction.
He believes in partnerships, noting that the city, schools and park district all strive to enrich residents' lives, and face shared challenges they can address together. He also acknowledged the contributions of local nonprofit groups. Wright recognized his wife of 31 years and said his children played on local youth sports teams during the family's earlier years here. He rides a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Wright said district staff have been warm and welcoming since he started. He called the environment genuine and said he is excited to be part of the team. "Just a genuine feel that I'm getting ... it just means a whole lot," Wright told the board Aug. 5. "I'm excited to be part of this fantastic team."
His 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. Several parks have received new playgrounds, updated lighting and improved athletic facilities.
RSRPD manages parks and recreation services in Simi Valley and unincorporated Oak Park. Its facilities include sports fields, community centers and preserved open space. Its parks and rec centers host youth sports leagues, summer camps, senior programs and special events throughout the year. Its trail system connects neighborhoods to open space and hiking and biking routes in the surrounding hills.
The district posts information on programs and events at rsrpd.org.
