Major Leadership Change Ahead for Simi Valley Parks as Dan Paranick Plans August Exit
Sylvie Belmond 
Who Will Lead Simi’s Parks Next? Rancho Simi Begins Search as District Manager Retires
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — The Rancho Simi park district is preparing for a leadership transition after District Manager Dan Paranick announced plans to retire Aug. 1, ending eight years leading the agency that oversees parks, trails and open space across Simi Valley and Oak Park.
Paranick shared the news during the March 4 meeting of the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Board of Directors. With his departure approaching, the board has already begun planning the transition. A special meeting is expected to be scheduled next week so directors can discuss options for recruiting and hiring the district’s next manager, including the possibility of bringing in a consultant to assist with the search.
RSRPD is responsible for maintaining parks, trails and recreation facilities across roughly 133 square miles of Simi Valley and Oak Park. It manages about 7,600 acres of open space, 80 miles of trails, 51 developed parks and 21 facilities, and employs nearly 100 full-time staff and roughly 500 part-time employees.
Paranick joined the district in August 2018 following a 25-year career in county and city government, with prior roles including interim city manager and assistant city manager in Ventura, Camarillo and Simi Valley.
During his eight-year tenure with RSRPD, the district completed or advanced many capital projects, including multiple phases of the Arroyo Simi Greenway Trail, the Berylwood Skate Plaza and Teen Center, pool deck improvements at Rancho Simi Community Park, playground replacements at Knolls Park, and expanded pickleball courts at parks in Simi Valley and Oak Park.
“I am proud of the organization’s work and people that I have been privileged to be a part of and contribute to for the last 30 or so years,” Paranick said in a statement. “I am confident that under the leadership of the Board of Directors and the District’s excellent staff that the Park District will continue to be a point of pride and benefit to our residents for years to come.”
Board Chair Brian Dennert said Paranick’s leadership helped guide the district through a period of steady growth and investment.
“Dan’s leadership and work with the Board over the past eight years will benefit the community well beyond his time with the District,” Dennert said. “His commitment to open space preservation, project completion and innovation have left an imprint that will not be forgotten.”
During the March 4 meeting, RSRPD Vice Chair Kimberly Coefield highlighted Paranick’s accessibility and willingness to help board members navigate complex issues.
“I appreciate the fact that I can text you when I notice things and you respond right away,” Coefield said, adding that Paranick also took time to help board members better understand the district’s budget.
Director Eric Lundstrom said many of the projects and initiatives Paranick championed will continue moving forward under new leadership.
“What you’ve done for the park district, I believe, is very commendable,” Lundstrom said.
Looking ahead to retirement, Paranick said he plans to spend more time with family and remain connected to the community he served for more than three decades.
Across Simi Valley and Oak Park, the parks, trails and open spaces developed during his tenure will continue serving residents, supported by the staff and volunteers who carry the district’s work forward.
