Rancho Simi Recreation and Park Board • Area 2
Area 2 Candidate
I already understand public agency governance, budgets, contracts, Joint Use Agreements, and the partnerships between our schools, parks, City, and law enforcement. I won’t be starting from scratch. I will bring established relationships, experience, and a commitment to safety and fiscal responsibility, and I am ready to work on day one.
30 years of community dedication, family values, and proven public leadership in Simi Valley.
For 30 years, Simi Valley has been home. As a mother of three, I’ve watched my children grow up in our community, attend RSRPD preschool and park programs, play sports, golf, and race at the Sycamore BMX track. Today, my family still enjoys hiking, mountain biking, and our parks and open spaces. With more than 50 parks and facilities in Simi Valley and Oak Park and over 5,600 acres of open space and recreational areas, Simi Valley is a very special place.
As Simi Valley Unified School District Board President, I have spent years working on budgets, contracts, joint-use agreements, and partnerships with the Park District to maximize public resources and expand opportunities for children and families.
With my School Board service ending due to term limits, I’m seeking election to the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Board. I will bring proven leadership, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and a commitment to safety, all while protecting taxpayer investments and planning responsibly so today’s resources remain available for generations to come.
I respectfully ask for your vote.
Dawn's clear, action-oriented plan for Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District.
Our parks, trails, open spaces, playgrounds, and facilities are valuable community assets. My priority is to protect that investment through responsible maintenance, long-term planning, and a strong commitment to safety. This will keep these resources safe, clean, and well maintained for today and future generations.
Every taxpayer dollar matters. I bring more than 20 years of experience working within this community, along with my School Board experience of overseeing budgets, contracts, risk management, and public resources. I understand the importance of planning for long-term maintenance, protecting existing assets, and understanding the financial impact before making new commitments.
Safety requires agencies to work together. Through my service on the Tri-Agency Committee, I have firsthand experience working with the Park District, School District, City, and law enforcement on issues affecting our community. I will continue strengthening those relationships to help keep our parks, schools, trails, and recreational spaces safe.
I understand the Joint Use Agreements between the School District and Park District and how these partnerships help maximize facilities, programs, and taxpayer resources. We should continue sharing resources where it makes sense, avoiding unnecessary duplication, and making responsible investments that provide lasting value for children, families, adults, and seniors.
Trusted civic leaders, public safety professionals, and park directors supporting Dawn Smollen.
Coverage, official planning documents, and community project initiatives.
Official planning document & trail expansion project guidelines
Guardian Recreation Center Phase III development overview
News article on Sycamore BMX track rebuild and community funding
Grassroots support powers our campaign across Area 2!
Direct grassroots campaign contributions via Venmo
@Dawn4parks →
How you can help elect Dawn Smollen to the Park Board
Connect directly with Dawn or follow campaign updates:
Official district boundaries covering Area 2 / Division #2 in Simi Valley.
Formal resource sharing between Simi Valley Unified School District & Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District.
"Having served on the Simi Valley Unified School District Board, I have firsthand experience with the importance of these partnerships and joint-use agreements. For me, this partnership represents good government: two public agencies coordinating the resources taxpayers have already paid for so those facilities can serve more people and provide more opportunities for our children."
Simi Valley Unified School District and Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District have a long-standing, formal partnership for the shared use of public facilities and resources.
The relationship is not simply informal cooperation. The two agencies entered into an Agreement for Joint Use of Grounds, Buildings, Facilities and Equipment effective July 5, 1988. That agreement has been supplemented and amended over the years to address specific facilities and uses. Park District records identify shared-use arrangements involving facilities including Apollo High School athletic fields, Berylwood Elementary School property, and field space at the Adult Education campus.
The partnership can be seen directly in programs serving our children. Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District operates before- and after-school programs on SVUSD campuses. For example:
The partnership also extends to athletics and recreational facilities. The joint-use documents specifically address Park District use of Apollo High School fields and reference agreements covering softball fields at Berylwood Elementary and Apollo High School, as well as field space at the Adult Education campus. Park District records also show Apollo High School softball fields being made available for organized community youth softball, demonstrating how school property can serve recreational needs beyond the regular school day.
This is a practical example of two public agencies sharing resources rather than unnecessarily duplicating them. School campuses can provide locations for recreation and after-school programming, while Park District facilities and recreational resources can support students, athletics, and community activities.
Having served on the Simi Valley Unified School District Board, I have firsthand experience with the importance of these partnerships and joint-use agreements. I understand that they involve more than simply opening a gate or allowing someone to use a field. They require agreements regarding scheduling, maintenance, responsibilities, costs, insurance, safety, and the appropriate use of publicly owned facilities.
As I move from my service on the School Board to seeking a position on the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Board, that experience gives me an understanding of both the educational and recreational sides of this partnership. It is an existing relationship that can continue to be strengthened so our youth have safe, productive places to learn, participate in programs, play sports, stay active, and connect with their community.
Access official municipal and park district records regarding joint-use agreements: