King Gillette Ranch, formerly Soka, opening to the public

King Gillette Ranch, the 588acre property in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area and former home to Soka University, will open to the public on June 30.

A consortium of state and local agencies, including the National Parks Service, California State Parks, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority bought the property from the Japanese-owned university in April 2005 for $35 million.

Other groups that donated to the cause of transforming the land back to permanent open space included the Mountains Restoration Trust, the Las Virgenes Homeowners Federation, the California Wildlife Conservation Board and the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission. Local cities such as Calabasas and Agoura Hills contributed to the purchase as well.

It is slated to open as a National Parks visitor's facility.

Dash Stolarz, director of public affairs for the Conservation Authority, said there may not be many services available to the public on opening day, but the beauty of the area will be a lure for many nature lovers. It is located at the southeast corner of Mulholland Highway and Las Virgenes Canyon Road near Calabasas.

Inspiration Point trail leading into the nearby hills has been under restoration by state parks, but according to Rory Skei, chief deputy director of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, visitors are welcome to hike the trail on opening day.

"We're assessing other trails," Skei said. "We expect people will be able to walk up to Inspiration Point."

Skei said the agencies are still in the midst of long-term planning. The state and national parks services want to move their headquarters onto the premises, but an environmental review needs to be completed, and the Coastal Commission must review the property as well.

"In the interim we want the park to be used," Skei said.

"It's very peaceful and beautiful," Stolarz said. Visitors can enjoy picnics on the rolling grassy lawns, and the lake and mountain backdrop add to the serene ambiance of the park. Although some trails won't be open, there are several walking paths.

Bird walks, guided history walks, campfire programs and other events are scheduled every week in July and August. A bird hike is scheduled onJuly 1.Skei said the park will be used for "passive recreation" to keep the area pristine. Passive recreation includes hiking, biking (not motorized bikes), picnicking and other activities that won't mar the land.

Jamie Cabral, deputy chief of interpretation for MRCA, said barbecues are not permitted in the park.

In the future, visitors can choose from a variety of recreational and educational activities.

Stolarz said the west side of the property can potentially become an equestrian area, and once the trails open, mountain biking will be allowed. The visitor's center will operate by September, she said. Other activities have yet to be determined. For instance, Stolarz wasn't sure if dogs would be allowed on the property.

"September is really when we are going to make a concerted effort to get the public there," Stolarz said. She said a grand opening event is being planned.

"We want very much to have a wide range of school children from all over Los Angeles to have the opportunity to see this beautiful property and learn about nature and the Santa Monica Mountains," Skei said.

Parking at the King Gillette Ranch is $5. For further information, visit www.lamountains.com.