Sheila Russo, a Simi Valley resident, isn't a happy camper when it comes to the Ventura County Parks Department's plan to construct an RV site in Tapo Canyon Park.

The design, which has been approved by the board of supervisors, calls for the construction of 16 full RV hookup sites plus a host site. In addition to the hookups, the county will also install two septic systems and a full bathroom and shower facility, according to county officials.

"It isn't a full RV site-instead it's a park with an RV aspect," said Keith Jajko, administrative aide for Supervisor Judy Mikels.

The equestrian ring at Tapo Canyon Park will be left in place as a compromise between the county proposal and outcries from Tapo Canyon residents, according to county officials. The lease with the Conejo Valley Archers has also been extended for another five years.

In addition, the renovations will include a day-use camp area with a playground and a volleyball night. An overnight campsite is also being constructed to serve the needs of the Boy Scouts of Camporee, according to county officials.

Funds for the improvements were made possible by the approval of Proposition 12 in 2000 and Proposition 40 in 2002.

Even with these amenities in place, Russo said, she still feels the county is trying to pull the wool over the community's eyes.

"They basically decided to build an RV park without telling anyone. When I contacted the county, they played dumb and told me to talk to the parks district," Russo said. She also claims that when she contacted the county concerning the renovations to the park, they refused to comment until after the elections since it was an "inflamed issue."

"It forces me to ask, 'What are they trying to shove through? What are they trying to hide?'" Russo said.

According to Jajko, the county Parks Department is an enterprise fund and is responsible for creating its own monies. Since it receives minimal taxpayer money, the department hopes to raise additional funds through fees generated by the RV sites. If the park were entirely an equestrian center, it would be unable to raise any funds, he said.

"County parks need to address the mixed desires of several segments of the community," Jajko said.

The Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District recently completed a new equestrian center off Sycamore and Royal avenues, reducing demand for another equestrian center at Tapo Canyon Park, according to the county.

Russo said she's also concerned the new amenities may make the area unsafe. "Zoning in this area is for one

house every 40 acres and we have a small, two-lane road. If a fire breaks out, people won't be able to get out quick enough with the new campsite," Russo said. "They should leave it as it was originally intended to be, a park where people can go and enjoy themselves for the day."

The county denied rumors that there has been discussion to turn the park over to the Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District.