'Movies in the Park' to go high def
By Miguel Morales miguel@theacorn.com

Simi Valley's "Movies in the Park" program hopes to wow audiences this summer with a variety of upgrades aimed at bringing the outdoor viewing experience into the 21st century.

The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District board voted unanimously at its April 5 meeting to approve the purchase of new equipment for this summer's movies series at Rancho Simi Community Park.

The additions will include a 25footwide by 18foothigh inflatable movie screen, a highpowered, high-definition large venue projector and additional professional audio and video equipment. The estimated cost is around $20,000.

After the absence of the program last summer, Doug Gale, recreation administrator for the park district, said he's determined to bring Movies in the Park "back with a bang."

In previous years, movies were shown on a 6-foot movie screen with a 16mm projector and no additional amplified sound. The new equipment, Gale said, will allow the thousands of audience members expected to attend the viewings to see and hear the films like never before.

The screen "is so impressive; it's so big and it will attract a lot of attention," Gale said.

The improvements to surroundsound and upgrades in video quality were made possible by a partnership between the city and the park district.

The Simi Valley City Council has contributed $10,000 toward the equipment purchase, according to a park district staff report.

At the park district board meeting Councilmember Glen Becerra said the Movies in the Park program would help maintain Simi Valley's long-held small-town feeling.

"(Events) like this make the community unique. Simi has grown up into a large community, but people still say 'hello' to each other," Becerra said. "That sort of thing doesn't happen by accident."

Movies are scheduled to be shown in June, July and August, one each month at Rancho Simi Community Park and one each month at the Rancho Simi Pool. Movies in the Park will feature "Curious George," "Happily Never After" and "Arthur and the Invisibles."

The Rancho Simi Pool will show "Happy Feet," "Charlotte's Web" and "Flushed Away." There is a $5 fee.

For more information on Movies in the Park, call the park district at (805) 584-4400.