Plans for Simi's first dog park approved at Big Sky
Site overlooks softball fields
By Darleen Principe darleen@theacorn.com

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers CAN YOU HEAR THE BARKING?- A view from above Big Sky, near the future site of the Rancho Simi District-proposed dog park.

Plans for Simi Valley's first dog park were set in motion recently when the concept and initial layout for the facility were approved by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District.

Larry Peterson, the district's general manager, said they've allocated $500,000 for the project and hope to see it come to fruition within the next few years.

"We want to be a great park system here," Peterson said.

The district has been aggressive in its expansion of the park system over the last seven years. Recently completed projects include the Big Sky softball complex on Lost Canyons Drive at the north end of Erringer Road, the construction of Vista Del Arroyo Park on Sequoia Avenue and the addition of tennis courts at Rancho Madera Community Park.

When completed, the dog park will be located on a flat area overlooking the Big Sky softball diamonds, Peterson said.

"It's a beautiful location," he said. "It's centrally located, and the property size is adequate for a dog park."

Resident Catherine Bodine, 37, said she's looking forward to having a dog park built nearby. Usually, she just walks her 2yearold Labrador retriever, Danger, on her street in the afternoons.

"I think it'll be great for those of us who own dogs," Bodine said. "I can bring Danger there on weekends to play with other dogs."

Though the final details haven't been decided, the park will probably be between 2 and 3 acres wide, with a portion fenced off for smaller dogs.

Peterson said the park district is waiting to get the property deeded to it by the master developer before moving forward with the final design.