HOUNDS FROM MILES AROUND—Above, a rousing cheer went up from the mass of guests as giant scissors sliced through the red ribbon at the long-awaited grand opening of the Simi Dog Park last Saturday. Left, Tommy Veazey, 7, of Moorpark sends a tennis ball flying for a group of playful dogs. Below, a greyhound sprints full speed across the park's 3-acre lawn. The off-leash park features separate sections for large and small dogs, a drinking fountain and picnic tables. A snake-proof fence keeps critters from the surrounding hills out and dogs in. Waiting outside the gates of the Simi Dog Park before last Saturday's dedication ceremony, Hazel (my 10-month-old Maltese Shih Tzu) and I weren't the only ones itching to get in.

Surrounded by more than a 1,000 pet owners and their canine companions, the barks and yelps of anticipation rolled off the hillside atop Lost Canyons Drive and into the valley below.

Charlotte Ward, a 32-year Simi resident, and her husband, Windy, had their hands full with three Chihuahuas: Maui, Chalupa and Tiny.

"When news came that Simi Valley was opening (a dog park), we were just excited," said Charlotte Ward, 64. "So last week was their last time in Thousand Oaks and now they'll be here."

The ribbon was cut shortly after 10 a.m. and as the gates opened, people and their fourlegged friends flooded into the park. On cue, the Baha Men hit, "Who Let the Dogs Out," boomed from the speakers.

Free hot dogs, chips and drinks were offered, as were Tshirts featuring the Simi Dog Park logo and the words "My dog was there!"

Park district officials estimated that about 1,500 people and their dogs came on opening day to break in the new grounds, which cost about $700,000 to construct.

As a Simi native and dog owner, I couldn't miss checking out the much-talked-about Simi Dog Park, initially approved in July 2007. Nestled in the mountains of the scenic Big Sky community, the off-leash dog run sits on a 3-acre site overlooking the Big Sky softball complex.

Though she didn't know where we were going when we got in the car Saturday morning, Hazel was excited nonetheless.

Photos by IRIS SMOOT Acorn Newspapers After all, "walk" is her favorite four-letter word. And while she will gladly take you up on any opportunity for a stroll, she is constantly tugging on the leash, asking in her own way to go faster and farther so she can see more, smell more and explore more.

That's why for her and other pups like her, the new park is a doggie dream. Within the confines of the fenced areas—there are separate runs for large and small breeds—Hazel can run to her heart's content, without a leash constantly pulling her back.

And run she did, though it took her a while to gain her bearings. It was our first time to a dog park and neither of us knew what to expect. We'd never seen so many dogs in our lives, but Hazel, unafraid and overwhelmed by excitement, simply sniffed out the situation.

In a matter of minutes, it seemed Hazel had introduced herself to half the small dog park, humans and canines alike. One of the first people we met inside the park was Lori Buchanan and her 3yearold Maltese, Arlunce.

Hazel and Carissa A Wood Ranch resident, Buchanan often took Arlunce to the T.O. dog park on Avenida De Las Flores. But she's glad to have a change of scenery.

"The one in Thousand Oaks is next to the freeway and there's a lot of road noise. So this is nice. It's quiet," Buchanan said. "Well, not today, but it will be quiet."

Though a bit confused about what to do at first, soon enough Hazel joined in the fun and could be seen—all nine pounds of her— chasing a tan cocker spaniel three times her size.

As I watched Hazel, I casually talked with my fellow dog owners, trading grooming tips, funny dog park stories and the obligatory "Oh, how cute!" when a new puppy ran by. It was then that I realized the dog park is not just about Hazel's social interaction. It's about mine, too.

Young Simi couple Cory Bower and Amy Cottle—whose Brussels griffon, Bentley, tried desperately but unsuccessfully to wrestle with Hazel—agreed.

"It's great for the dogs to come out and socialize and he gets a lot of exercise," Bower said. "And we get to socialize," Cottle added, finishing Bower's sentence.

Most people I talked to on opening day were impressed by the park's size, green grass, mountain and valley views and amenities, including picnic benches and a water trough. And all were happy to finally have a place close to home to bring their dogs to play.

But not everybody who's visited the dog park gives it a thumbs-up. Simi resident Fabio Bandini, 35, took his terrier mix to the park on Sunday and was concerned over some elements he deemed safety hazards.

His main worry is that there aren't separate entrances for large and small dogs, which is a standard design element at other local dog parks, including the one in Thousand Oaks, and that there may be serious dog fights as a result.

"All of the dogs in the dog park are being funneled up or down one narrow walkway," he said. "One of the ways that dogs assert dominance is to maintain eye contact. So to have a 40to50-foot walkway where dogs are crossing paths facetoface, it's ridiculous."

Also, he said, a sidewalk should lead from the parking lot to the park to keep dogs out of the way of cars. Bandini won't return to the dog park until what he sees as "obvious blunders" are addressed.

"There's plenty of good things about the park: It's huge, it's spacious, the grass looks great, there's water available, it's far off the main road," he said. "But the few negative points . . . are enough for me to feel like it isn't safe."

For more information and rules, visit www.rsrpd.org/park/ simidogpark/simidogpark.html

Don't forget the rules

Except for Thursdays, when it opens later, the dog park is open from 7 a.m. to dusk, with seasonal hours posted for exact closing time. The park is closed from 7 to 10 a.m. every Thursday for routine maintenance. Other rules include:

•The only animals allowed in the park are dogs; there are separate dog runs for large and small breeds.

•Children under 6 years old are not allowed in the dog park. Children ages 6 to 12 are allowed only with adult supervision.

•Dogs must be kept on a leash when not inside the dog park's fenced areas. Dogs should be off-leash when inside.

•Four dogs per dog owner is the maximum allowed inside the dog park.

•Dogs that exhibit aggressive behavior are not allowed.

•Owners must clean up after their dogs. Community waste bag dispensers are provided on site but it is up to dog owners to supply the bags.