In addition to the Library, Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District has over 50 parks and trails. Simi Valley alone houses 39 parks. The city has Arroyo Simi Equestrian Center, Coyote Hills Equestrian Center, Simi Hills Golf Course, Sinaloa Golf Course, ttwo disc golf parks -- Sequoia Park at 2150 Tracy Avenue and Sycamore Park at 855 N. Planetree Avenue and Simi Dog Park. It also has two historical parks -- Santa Susana Train Depot and Museum and Strathearn Historical Park and Museum.
There are over a dozen trails to explore, as well as the Santa Susana Mountain range and the Simi Hills. The look and feel is somewhat rural and yet, downtown Los Angeles is only 40 miles distance!
It is believed that the name of the Chumash Indian Village "Shimiji" is the origin of the City's name. The valley was originally inhabited by the Chumash Indians in two villages named Simi and Tapo. The official City tree is the Coast Live Oak, whose acorns were used by the Chumash Indians for food.
The official City flower is the California Wild Rose, from which the Chumash Indians ate vitamin-rich rosehips. Highway 118 runs through the City and connects with State Highways 23 and 101, Interstates 5, 405, and 210.
In 1991, the City of Simi Valley acquired a 1920s property to be used as a Cultural Arts Center. The renovation project included both the conversion of the building for cultural and community uses and restoration of the original historical features of the building which was approved as Ventura County Historical Landmark No. 67 in July of 1981. Located at 3050 Los Angeles Ave., this Gothic structure has served the Simi Valley community as a church, a mortuary, Jewish temple, a residence and even a temporary high school. The facility includes a 220 seat main theater, with newly renovated individual theater seating on the main floor as well as the balcony. Box Office: (805) 583-7900, simivalley.org
The city offers a
summer music concerts
in the park, among other popular activities and events.