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Tapo Canyon Park to reopen
2 disasters forced closure of 210-acre recreational area
Photos by Jason Redmond / Star staff Ron Van Dyck, deputy director of the Ventura County Parks Department, discusses the reopening of Tapo Canyon Park in Simi Valley on Tuesday. Flood and fire damage had forced the closure of the park for four years.
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More from Local NewsTwo disasters have kept this 210-acre recreational park just north of Simi Valley closed since 2003.
But today, Tapo Canyon Regional Park will reopen with almost $900,000 in renovations, including a new recreational vehicle campground, a horse arena fit for Olympic training, expanded parking and access to a system of hiking and equestrian trails in the surrounding hills.
Wildfires took a toll in 2003, and the park was deemed unsafe and closed for repairs. Then as the park was getting repaired in late 2004 and early 2005, heavy rains caused a mudslide that covered much of the park. The reopening was delayed again.
"A lot of folks aren't aware there is a park back here," said Ron Van Dyck, a deputy director of the Ventura County Parks Department. The park off Tapo Canyon Road was acquired by the county in 1969 and was originally part of the 100,000-acre El Rancho Simi.
"This whole area over here used to be an open dirt area for camping," Van Dyck said, waving his hand across a swath of land near an archery range, where the Conejo Valley Archers club uses the land under a lease agreement with the county.
Before 2003, the park offered overnight tent camping, a playground and picnic areas. There were also two smaller equestrian riding arenas. Now there are 16 recreational vehicle hookups, and the restrooms nearby include showers.
Van Dyck said that, because there are only a few equestrian parks in the county, he hopes horse riders from across the region will use the park and trail system.
In addition to the RV park, there are 100 parking spaces. The cost for day use is $2 during the week and $4 on the weekends, or $56 for an annual pass. RV owners are charged $37 a night, with a maximum stay of 14 days, Van Dyck said. There are 11 RV parks countywide, Van Dyck said. The Tapo Canyon opening comes just in time for camping high season, which runs from March to October.
Once additional money is found, a playground will be rebuilt, Van Dyck said. It could cost up to $75,000.
The park's grand opening will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. today at 4652 Tapo Canyon Road.
On the Net:
http://gsa.countyofventura.org/parks
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