Park district approves $8 million activity center project

The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District moved closer to building its long-planned indoor activity center after approving an $8 million construction contract in a narrow 3-2 vote that underscored both community support and lingering financial concerns.

Board Approves Construction Despite Split Vote

The Simi Valley Acorn reported that directors approved awarding the Phase III construction contract for the Activity Center Recreation Area to Ardalan Construction Company Inc. of Thousand Oaks during their May 27 meeting. The company, which has over 30 years of experience in government and educational facilities, was identified as the apparent lowest responsible bidder.

Directors Ed Abele and Kimberly Cofield voted against the project, while Board Chair Brian Dennert and Directors Eric Lundstrom and Brooke Grayson supported it. The vote came despite a draft operational plan showing the facility is expected to operate at a loss once it opens.

Project Addresses Indoor Recreation Gap

The activity center will transform the final phase of the district's Guardian Street headquarters at 4201 Guardian St., completing a multi-year consolidation project that began in 2018 when operations moved from Sycamore Drive. According to officials, the concept was developed over several years starting with a 2020 design process that incorporated community input, staff analysis and a recreation amenities study.

"The public wants amenities, and with that in mind, I feel we're keeping that promise," Dennert said, referring to commitments made when the district sold its former Sycamore Drive facility.

Phase III will feature a gymnastics area, indoor sports courts, a ninja course, VR and multipurpose rooms, dance and fitness studios, party spaces and a three-story indoor playground. Director Brooke Grayson noted that residents often travel outside the area for indoor sports and specialty programs, calling the facility essential for filling that gap.

Financial Concerns Prompt Opposition

Director Abele opposed the project, citing costs that have grown from approximately $3 million initially to more than $8 million while delivering less than originally envisioned. He also highlighted staff estimates showing the facility could potentially result in a roughly $400,000 yearly operating shortfall.

"I wish it success, but I think this is one that the district will regret for years to come," Abele said.

Director Cofield also voted against the project, citing competing park priorities and community feedback about upgrading existing parks.

District Manager Dan Paranick said operations were modeled after comparable facilities and are expected to improve as programming grows, with most revenue coming from activities such as gymnastics and sports court use.

Construction Timeline and Community Impact

Landscape designer and project manager Douglas Duran indicated construction could begin as early as fall 2026 and take approximately nine months to complete. Earlier coverage shows the project received building permits from the City of Simi Valley Building and Safety Department, Ventura County Fire Prevention District and Ventura County Air Pollution Control District in January 2026.

Grayson emphasized the broad community impact, stating "This activity center will impact thousands of members of our community and draw a lot of the community to it." She also noted that other park projects, including Rancho Simi Community Park improvements, remain funded and on track in this year's budget.

What's Next

With the construction contract approved, the district can now proceed with final preparations for the activity center build-out. The facility is designed to serve residents of all ages with programming spanning youth activities to senior fitness classes, addressing what supporters describe as a significant gap in local indoor recreation options.