Park District Seeks Community Input on Budget and Capital Projects
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District will ask residents what improvements they want to see at local parks and facilities during a public budget meeting scheduled for May 20.
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the District Activity Center on Guardian Street. Board members will present their budget and discuss current and planned capital improvement projects — the one-time construction and equipment purchases that upgrade parks, athletic fields, playgrounds and trails across the district.
District officials want community input on priorities before finalizing their capital improvement plan. The feedback will help board members decide which projects move forward first and ensure spending aligns with what residents need and want, the district said in a statement.
The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District operates as an independent government agency, separate from the City of Simi Valley. Created in 1961, the district now manages more than 50 parks and 5,600 acres of preserved open space throughout Simi Valley and Oak Park.
The district's footprint includes recreational facilities that serve thousands of residents. Two golf courses, an equestrian center, a swimming pool and three community centers anchor the system. Baseball and soccer fields, tennis courts and playgrounds fill neighborhood parks. Miles of hiking and biking trails wind through the Santa Susana Mountains and Simi Hills.
Beyond facilities, the district operates the Strathearn Historical Park and Museum, where docents lead tours through preserved buildings that tell Simi Valley's story. The Santa Susana Train Depot, built in 1903, houses railroad exhibits and model train displays that draw visitors from across Ventura County.
The district also runs hundreds of recreation programs throughout the year. Youth sports leagues, senior fitness classes, summer camps and arts programs serve residents of all ages. Large community events like outdoor concerts, seasonal festivals and movie nights in the parks bring neighbors together.
Capital improvements typically focus on safety upgrades, accessibility improvements and equipment replacement. Recent projects have included playground renovations, trail repairs and facility modernizations. The district must balance aging infrastructure needs with community demands for new amenities.
Budget discussions will likely address ongoing maintenance costs for existing facilities alongside potential expansion projects. The district relies primarily on property taxes and user fees to fund operations and improvements.
Board members encourage attendance from sports groups, neighborhood associations, and individual families who use district facilities regularly. Parents of youth athletes, senior citizens who participate in programs, and trail users all bring different perspectives on spending priorities.
The meeting agenda will be posted on the district website at rsrpd.org by May 15. Residents who cannot attend can contact the district office at (805) 584-4400 or email info@rsrpd.us to submit comments.
The district board meets monthly, but this budget session offers the most direct opportunity for public input on capital spending decisions that will shape recreational opportunities for years to come.
