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August 11, 2007

Ask Kate O'brien ( SV Park Board)

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The Simi Valley ( And oak Park) Park Board is on the move. They have many new projects including a water park and a dog park planned.

Here is a Q and A with my favorite park board member Kate O'Brien about these recent projects and more.

So, ask away.


Comments

I along with my fellow Council Members had the opportunity of seeing the plan for the water park a few months ago, and it is truly incredible. It will be a wonderful addition to our community and something for our kids to do.
I believe the Park Board should be congratulated on this exceptional addition to our parks and city.

Posted by: barbra williamson at August 11, 2007 08:30 PM

I believe I saw something in the Ventura County Star about developing a walk/bike path along one of the major water runs that bisects Simi. Perhaps you could elaborate on this.

Posted by: Katie Teague at August 11, 2007 10:27 PM

Katie,
That is a City sponsored event, and we have asked the Park District and School district to join us.
This project is hugh and will cost millions, but well worth it for the residents of Simi Valley. It will run the entire lenght of the city along the arroyo. You can use it now, but when we get finished it will allow for Mother, kids, joggers, everyone to use it. Sorry, I know this was for Kate, but I get so excited....

Posted by: barbra williamson at August 12, 2007 09:37 AM

How is the Park Board able to plan for such far reaching projects without a tax increase?

Posted by: Brian at August 12, 2007 09:04 PM

There is "private" money from large corporations, and there are Federal dollars also available, plus grant monies.

Posted by: barbra williamson at August 13, 2007 10:26 AM

The meandering trail could wind though Rocketdyne, traverse the Super Fund site and then terminate with a view of the ocean from atop Mt. Trashmore at the new megadump. In the evening the path wouldn't need artificial light. It would glow a beautiful light blue. A great way to "invest" taxpayer funds.

Posted by: DumpKnowledge at August 13, 2007 10:56 AM

Are you suggesting that we board up Simi and all move elsewhere? Perhaps you think people should all stay home instead of enjoying our city? What's with all the fear-mongering?

Posted by: Owen at August 13, 2007 01:08 PM

Thank you Barbra for your kind comments about our proposed water park! I should let everyone know that the final design is a ways off and may look somewhat different. A lot depends on the adjacent HOAs and Neighborhood Councils. Their opinions are very important to us.

This, FYI, is intended as a revenue enhancing project, so that we can do all of the other wonderful things we want to do without raising the assessment. Which brings me to:

The path along the Arroyo. There is one there now that people can use, but we - along with the City and School District - want to make it really special. Please note that this is even a more long term project than the water park - something like 10 years out (well, maybe not THAT long. But long). We are just starting the exploratory/planning phase for this project, including How To Fund It.

Government moves V-E-R-Y S-L-O-W-L-Y. And not because it is bureaucratic and inefficient. Well, OK; yes it is, but one of the reasons is because we need to keep the public informed and noticed of everything we do, so they (i.e., you) get a chance to show up and tell us what you think. We need to post information before we act on anything, which adds 2 -3 weeks to every phase. And that's if everything goes right and there are no challenges or problems or unforseen conditions.

Posted by: Kate O'Brien at August 13, 2007 03:52 PM

Kate,

Did I read that right? The plan is to make the water park more than revenue neutral? What was the url for the plans again?

Posted by: Brian at August 13, 2007 10:35 PM

Oh Owen, I present a scenic overview of the community's more famous features of late and you take it to mean something negative. I was listening to Councilmember Foster this evening and it appeared that she supported most of these fine features in town. Just think if Thousand Oaks had the megadump and we had Amgen, Baxter and CountryWide. But then again, to hell with more fortune 500 companies. After all, we have Waste Management with a megadump just around the corner. Who needs those other outfits after all.

Posted by: dump knowledge at August 13, 2007 11:24 PM

If you go to www.rsrpd.org and click on the Sinaloa icon, it will take you directly to the project overview and plan download. You can sign up for regular updates, too if you like.

Posted by: Kate O'Brien at August 16, 2007 02:24 AM

Kate,

When you leave messages you can put the web address in the box marked URL and it makes your name into a link.

The Water Park looks amazing. I didn't realize there is going to be a miniature golf course too. Is it similar to a typical minuture golf course?

What are the estimations for pricing for entrance into the water park area?

Who came up with this idea in the first place? Staff or electeds?

I understand there is concern from neighbors about the plans. Are those concerns rooted around traffic?

Posted by: Brian at August 17, 2007 01:38 PM

Brian:

I will forward to questions to staff so we can get you an accurate response.

Kate O'Brien

Posted by: Kate O'Brien at August 19, 2007 09:08 PM

I can tell you that the neighbors are mostly concerned about traffic and noise. We have consultants doing some early planning for us who will be meeting with them on a regular basis.

I believe that staff cam up with the original plan. We will of course need to approve it before anything happens.

Posted by: Kate O'Brien at August 19, 2007 09:14 PM

Brian:

Here are the anwers to your questions of the other day:


1. No, the mini golf courses are not typical at all. No windmills, Snow White castles, etc. Ours will include lots of water, waterfalls, and extensive landscape.

2. Prices are not determined. Our early projection is around $14.00 general admission (for all day) and $10.00 for kids (for all day).

3. The idea came from the District’s Assistant General Manager.

Posted by: Kate O'Brien at August 21, 2007 09:56 AM

Is it possible that a CARP is loose at Simi Hills?

Watch the video.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=mpd8LVNgHSY

Posted by: CARP at August 22, 2007 01:22 AM

Can you please give us a time frame on the dog park in Lost Canyons? Everyone is very tired of having to travel to Thousand Oaks, although that is a GREAT park. It should not take this long to get it open and running. Please give us a progress report. Thank you.

Posted by: Cay at January 23, 2008 06:57 AM
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