Remaining Sinaloa Park critics may never be satisfied

The Simi Valley Acorn has dedicated many inches of this editorial space to rally for more community involvement in local government. But in the case of those who are still opposed to the park district’s proposed expansion of the Sinaloa Golf Course—we think it’s time they left well enough alone.

But before these constructive critics retire to their homes, the citizens of Simi Valley owe them a debt of gratitude. After all, their four years of oversight concerning plans to revamp and expand the Madera Road pitch-and-putt course to include three 18-hole miniature golf courses has done more than just give Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District a headache: It’s given us a better, safer, more appropriate project.

Though the Acorn was in favor of the park’s original plans, we can now agree that the arcade and water slides, which have since been removed, were probably out of place. And the increased security measures, traffic improvements and additional landscape buffers— all advocated by neighboring residents—should go a long way toward mitigating the project’s impact on the area.

But if a person still can’t see that the positives of the proposed facility far outweigh the negatives, then we fear they will never be convinced. Now, instead of playing the role of community advocates, these critics threaten to unnecessarily delay this capital improvement project that the city sorely needs.

The park district, thanks to effective money management, already has the funds in place to complete the golf course expansion. Complaints about the $19-million price tag have no merit.

Regarding criticism of the park’s location, we think it’s a nonissue. If the new Sinaloa Park is to succeed, it must draw visitors from Simi Valley and beyond. The proposed location can provide this needed accessibility.

The park district knows it’s making a bold move, but it’s the kind of move this fun-starved city needs. Our children can’t vote and they don’t carry a voice in local politics, but if they had the chance, they’d urge us to fight for this project, because Simi Valley may never get another one like it.

The Acorn will never stop encouraging residents to speak up when they have concerns about the way government is being run, but it’s also important that they know when to leave well enough alone.