CROSSING CONSIDERED NEAR PARK, BIKE TRAIL.

Byline: Douglas Clark Daily News Staff Writer

The installation of a midblock crosswalk with a traffic signal on Royal Avenue could provide safe passage for pedestrians who use Darrah Volunteer Park and the Arroyo Simi Bike Trail.

City traffic engineer Bill Golubics said the $90,000 project is an attempt to address longstanding concerns among residents about safe access from nearby residential areas.

``It's an old park, and we're still trying to make it safely fulfill the needs of the community,'' he said.

With no parking available at the 4.5-acre Darrah Volunteer Park, which is located on the south edge of Royal Avenue west of Tapo Canyon Road, residents are forced to seek curbside spaces in the residential area north of the park.

In the spring and summer, when the Simi Valley Little League season is in full swing, hundreds of players and their families must cross Royal Avenue to get to the park.

The same is true for bicyclists who wish to access the Arroyo Simi Bike Trail that runs adjacent to the park, Golubics said.

Although the Simi Valley Little League has plans to expand the park and provide some parking, Golubics said safety precautions are needed now.

``Even if they're successful in creating parking facilities, we still think it's appropriate to put the light in for the current situation,'' he said.

The City Council will discuss the proposal during its regular meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road.

Funds for the project would also allow the Department of Public Works to construct a 160-foot-long section of sidewalk on the east side of Tapo Canyon Road, from Royal Avenue down to the bike trail.

And money would be used to install 41 handicapped-accessible curb ramps throughout the residential area north of the park, according to a city report.

The $90,000 price tag would be paid for with $40,500 from the Ventura County Transportation Commission and $49,500 in matching funds from the city, the Simi Valley Street Lighting Maintenance District, and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District.

Golubics said the city has approved only three other midblock crossings with lights - all of which provide access to the bike trail. The crossings are located on Erringer Road, Sequoia Avenue and Royal Avenue near Blackstock Avenue.

But the crosswalk at Darrah Volunteer Park is doubly needed, he said.

``It serves two purposes. Year-round bike trail use and baseball players in the spring and summer,'' he said. ``We think this is an excellent safety feature for the community.''

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MAP: Proposed signalized pedestrian crossing