DISTRICT ALLAYS RESIDENTS' CONCERNS OVER NEW PARK DISTRICT AGREES TO REDUCE PARK HOURS.

Byline: Sylvia L. Oliande Staff Writer

SIMI VALLEY - The skirmish over a long-planned park that came as a surprise to many Bridle Path residents is winding down as the local park authority works to appease those worried it would alter their rustic lifestyle.

A few dozen residents complained to the Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District that Challenger Park's proximity to their property would be a major disruption.

Some said Thursday that they feel better about the idea since the park district agreed to limit the hours of operation and seemed willing to address their issues.

``We feel we have accomplished something,'' said Sheree Payton, who lives on Nonchalant Drive. ``The park is nice in some ways, but in other ways it raises a lot of questions and a lot of concerns. The parks people have been good people to work with, so we're glad about that.''

District officials said they were taken aback by the protests by Bridle Path residents because the park has been planned for several years.

``People always like parks, but there are concerns about how the parks nearest them will impact them,'' said district spokesman Rick Johnson. ``I think the board did a good job in allaying some of their fears.''

The entrance to the park is located at the end of First Street, where it turns into Long Canyon Road, near the Bridle Path equestrian center.

Much of the park, which has been under construction since September and is scheduled to open by March, is being built on open space just south of the Bridle Path development.

The first phase of the park will consist of a youth campground, trails and an earthen amphitheater. It also will include a permanent parking lot, a restroom and drinking fountains.

Johnson said the campgrounds will be available by permit only, and they will be situated behind a hill out of sight of the residents.

The residents also were concerned that park users would disturb the horses on their property, and want fences to keep park users off their private horse trails. They also were concerned about the park being open until 10 p.m. because of the lights in the 65-space parking lot.

But Payton said she was glad to see the district cut the hours back to dusk. Johnson said the district also will take a look at the lighting system to be sure it does not impact those living nearby.