Park district outlines goals for '07
By Avi Rutschman avi@theacorn.com

Ed Hayduk District's assistant manager

Even though the new year is barely underway, Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District already has big plans for 2007.

Over the course of the next 12 months, the district will be orchestrating 10 projects in the area, ranging from the construction of new parks to the restoration of historical sites.

"The district probably has the most aggressive capital improvement program of any public agency of its size," said Ed Hayduk, the park district's assistant general manager.

According to Hayduk, the boom in projects is the result of the passage of the Maintenance and Capital Improvement Assessment District in 2000 and the surge in the number of Simi homes constructed over the past five years.

Big Sky Park, the anticipated girls' softball complex, is slated to open March 3.

In addition to providing desperately needed field space for the girls' softball league, the complex will include an area for half-court basketball, a playground and decorative landscaping.

According to park district officials, upgrades to Sycamore Park are nearly 80 percent complete, with newly constructed walkways, a basketball court and a climbing rock.

"Approximately 25 trees and grass will be planted in February, which will complete the project," Hayduk said.

The restoration of Old St. Rose of Lima Church, a project that has been in the works for 2½ years, is nearly 70 percent complete, according to district officials.

"It's been a long effort to restore this building, but that's how this type of restoration project works," Hayduk said. "Part of the educational importance of the project is the time and thought that goes into restoration of the historic fabrics."

The front entry and accessory room have been restored and a handicapaccess ramp and new windows installed.

The district is anticipating a mid-April dedication after the floor and interior and exterior paint are redone.

The district is also planning to add 80 new parking spots and an additional lighted soccer field to Rancho Simi Community Park.

"We have a severe parking problem in this park when major swim meets and/or softball tournaments are held," Hayduk said.

Early this year the district will submit an application to the city of Simi Valley for a modification to the special use permit for the park, and construction is scheduled to begin in September.

Next month, the district will wrap up the construction of new restrooms at Knolls Park.

"The restrooms are almost 50 years old, and when renovation is complete they will look like brand new buildings," Hayduk said.

Infrastructure improvements to Darrah Park will be completed in late February, according to district officials. The installation of two batting cages on the park's grounds will begin in March.

Later this month, Rancho Tapo will be given park upgrades, including new picnic table pads, a renovation of the park's existing passive recreation area and a new exercise par course.

"An exercise par course is basically equipment stationed in such a way that it puts someone through an entire workout such as sit-ups, pulls-ups, etc. About 10 years ago, we had such a system, but through the years various equipment wore out and we weren't able to secure replacements," Hayduk said.

The district is also working on master plans for upgrades and expansions to Sinaloa Golf Course, Marr Ranch Park and Runkle Canyon Park.