Central Perk

Nestled along a stretch of the Arroyo Simi, bordered by a quiet neighborhood of modest homes, lies a lush 33-acre park teeming with family-friendly features.

Rancho Simi Community Park, one of 33 parks operated by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, is the pride and joy of this sprawling east county city for its beauty and popularity.

One in an occasional Jaunts series on parks in Ventura County.

“It’s not our biggest park but it’s one of our most popular because of all the activities available,” said district spokesman Rick Johnson. “It’s more like a regional park.”

The park is much more than well-groomed lawns and sturdy benches.

One of the first things visitors notice is the solitude.

Although the park is bordered to the east by Erringer Road, a major thoroughfare to the Ronald Reagan Freeway, trails lead into the interior of the park, where there is an abundance of picnic and play areas.

Dozens of stately sycamores and pines provide ample greenery and shade and act as a noise buffer.

The atmosphere makes for a nice change, residents say, when desert-like heat hits their neighborhoods during the summer.

“I really feel like I’m someplace else when I come here,” said 34-year-old Krissy Dunlap of Newbury Park. “It’s quiet and relaxing.”

Starting June 21, the park’s 50-meter swimming pool, its lap lanes and three diving boards will be available for public use for a small daily fee.

The pool, currently used by high school athletes, is on the south side of the park off Royal Avenue.

A small parking lot connects the pool and swim center with eight lighted tennis courts and a backboard for practice.

It’s usually first-come, first-served, but players should call ahead to check for occasional classes held on the courts.

Adjacent to the tennis courts is a large covered picnic area with several tables and barbecue grills. Restrooms and water fountains are nearby.

More than 80 picnic tables and more than a dozen grills are scattered throughout the park.

Three dozen park benches dot trails, are nestled under trees and surround several play areas.

There are six shuffleboard lanes, five horseshoe pits and climbing equipment, slides and swing sets in separate areas, one for toddlers and another for older children.

“I can bring all my kids here at once and nobody gets bored,” said Mary P. Herrera, a Simi Valley resident and mother of three.

The park has an open amphitheater where visitors can sprawl on the grass to watch the plays that occasionally are staged. There is a practice soccer field, three lighted basketball courts, four lighted baseball fields and a volleyball court.

By far the biggest surprise at this park is a 2 1/2-acre lagoon, complete with quacking ducks and fish--the latter of which are there for the catching, although the district encourages anglers to catch and release.

Some of the usual park solitude may be lost this Saturday when dozens of amateur anglers will flock to the lagoon’s banks to cast lines for trout, bluegill and catfish during the 23rd annual Huck Finn Fishing Derby.

The free event, from 7 to 10 a.m., is open to those age 15 and under. Participants must bring their own equipment.

Prizes will be given for the first fish caught, the first limit of fish caught and the biggest fish.

Competitors and their families can come to the park as early as 6 a.m., the park’s usual opening time.

People who have more questions about the park or the derby can call the district at 584-4400 or access its Web page at www.rsrpd.org.

DETAILS

Rancho Simi Community Park, 1765 Royal Ave.; from Ronald Reagan Freeway, exit 1st Street or Erringer Road and go south.

Some facilities require reservations; call 584-4400.

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Tip of the Week:

Want to spend Mother’s Day near the ocean?

Ventura Harbor Village on Spinnaker Drive will have live music, arts and crafts, and a farmers’ market Saturday and Sunday. The harbor also has hourly cruises and pedal and kayak boat rentals.

For more information, call 644-0169 or access the harbor’s Web site at www.venturaharborvillage.com.

(Ideas for Jaunts can be submitted to holly.wolcott@latimes.com.)