The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District will hold a public hearing Thursday to review the district's proposed $19.7 million operating budget for fiscal year 2008-09.

About $9 million of the district's revenue comes from property taxes. The district also relies on user fees, rentals and class participation to make up the difference, said Larry Peterson, general manager for the district.

There are some big park projects slated for the coming year, including the completion of the city's first off-leash dog park and upgrades to the Sinaloa Golf Course.

"We don't undertake the construction unless we have money for the entire project," Peterson said.

The district is working with a balanced but "flatlined" budget, Peterson said.

He said he anticipates increased costs, including construction materials like concrete and wood, and fuel prices, which have risen from $110,000 last year to about $130,000 this year, he estimated.

The following are some of the district projects in Simi Valley and Oak Park and their estimated costs. They are slated to be completed or mostly completed in the coming year.

n Sinaloa Golf Course expansion, $794,000. Plans include design and engineering studies and community outreach to redevelop the 38-acre property. Project elements include a 9-hole pitch and put golf course, miniature golf courses, a community room, park amenities, parking and infrastructure.

n Off-leash Dog Run at Big Sky Park, $500,000: Complete construction of the 3-acre park on Lost Canyons Drive, just off the north end of Erringer Road, near the Big Sky housing development.

n The Rancho Simi Community Park upgrades, second of three phases, $500,000: Complete renovation to the west portion of the park, including installation of a new soccer field and upgrades to the softball complex. The next phase will include installation of new lights for the entire sports complex.

n Rancho Tapo Community Park, $1 million: Project includes the design, bidding and construction of the 1.4-acre park expansion, including lighted tennis courts and pickleball courts.

n The expansion of the Simi Hills Golf Course clubhouse, $225,000: Complete design and construction of a 468-square-foot addition to accommodate kitchen storage.

n Banaga Barber Shop, $15,000: The design and permitting process for the restoration of the historic Banaga Barber Shop at Strathearn Historical Park and Museum.

n The Rancho Simi Santa Susana Community Park permitting process, $75,000: Project includes modification to existing use and addition of two lighted soccer fields, basketball courts, playgrounds and children's splash pad.

In Oak Park, there are about $2.2 million in parks programs and projects over the next five years and will include:

n Building a spray pool/fountain area at Oak Park Canyon Community Park next year at a cost of about $225,000.

n Replacement of tot lot equipment at Oak Park Canyon Community Park next year at a cost of about $75,000

n Development of an off-leash dog run at Oak Park Community Park next year at a cost of about $225,000.

Over the next five years, Simi Valley expects to spend about $25 million in future parks, programs and projects, including:

n Strathearn Park's Campo de Fiesta, to start in 2010-11 and cost about $200,000, would include a formal entry, water feature, turf and park lights.

n Lost Canyons Park, to start in 2010-11 and cost about $3 million. It would include lighted football fields, parking, restrooms and park amenities

n Runkle Park improvements, to start in 2011-12 and cost about $1.5 million. It would include a basketball court, restrooms, trailhead parking, picnic facilities and walkways.

n Rancho Susana Park, phase four, to start in 2010-11 and cost about $3 million. It would include playgrounds, a basketball court and improvements on Leed Street.

The board will hold a public hearing on next year's budget at 7 p.m. Thursday at 1000 Kanan Road, Oak Park.

For more information, visit http://www.rsrpd.org.