Rancho Simi park district receives state-wide awards

The California Association of Recreation and Park Districts recently selected the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District to receive three Awards of Distinction.

The winner for best new facility was Big Sky Park. The new girls' softball complex has fields for all levels of girls' softball and a concession stand to provide fundraising opportunities for leagues.

The award for best marketing and communication went to the district's work with YourHub.com. In 2007 the district's marketing and community outreach specialist, Colleen Janssen, had 68 articles published in The Best of YourHub.com.

District general manager Larry Peterson received the award for outstanding professional. Under Peterson's leadership the district implemented efficiency measures, achieved substantial annual savings, assumed operational control of two golf courses, implemented Internet registration and credit card purchasing programs, and managed the succession of 40 percent of the district's workforce.