Park district takes over day-to-day management of Simi Hills course
Golfing fees will remain the same

Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District took over the daily operations of the Simi Hills Golf Course on May 1.

Since March 1992, the course has been leased and operated by American Golf, based in Santa Monica. Many of the previous American Golf employees will continue at the site as employees of the district.

The course opened in May 1981 when it served a much smaller golf population than today.

District General Manager Larry Peterson said, "It's all about local control and solidifying the district's financial position. We want to keep the money here in Simi Valley, rather than seeing it go to a corporation based in another community."

A new company has been contracted to provide food and beverage service and the restaurant offers salads and omelets for health-conscious athletes.

A new beverage cart is expected to arrive soon and 84 new, leased golf carts are available for use.

Planned renovations and improvements during the next few years include a refurbishing of the oncourse restrooms, the purchase of lawnmowers for the greens, and new utility vehicles for the maintenance staff.

An expansion of the kitchen facility is projected to cost about $175,000 and will add more stage space and food preparation areas.

Design work has already started for a long-term project to improve the course's irrigation system.

Course Manager Brian Reed is working on a marketing plan to promote the course to residents, charities and businesses.

Golfing fees will remain the same.

The course is at 5031 Alamo St., Simi Valley.

For more information or to sign up for tee times, go to www.simihillsgolf.com.