Simi Valley Pickleball Players Take Their Fight for More Courts to the Simi Parks Board
Daniel Jordan 
Simi Valley Pickleball Players to Deliver “Wish List” to Parks Board
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — By early evening, dozens of local pickleball players are expected to meet today at Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District office. They’re not there for a tournament. They’re there to be heard.
At 6:30pm, Oct 15, players from across the city will meet at the RSRPD main office to share what they call their “Pickleball Community Wish List.” The forum, organized by members of the Simi Valley Pickleball group, wants to give everyday players a voice in shaping the future of one of our city’s fastest-growing sports.
“We just want to express to the board what our pickleball community needs,” organizers wrote in a public invitation to players. “This is our chance to speak up.”
A growing community asking to be heard
Over the past few years, pickleball has exploded in popularity across Simi Valley. What used to be a quiet morning activity at a few parks has turned into a daily rush of players at nearly every public court.
But with that growth comes challenges. Crowded courts, limited lighting, and an aging surface at some facilities have become common talking points among players.
The group’s goal tonight is to present a unified, fact-based case for improvement. While the “wish list” hasn’t been published publicly, conversations online and around the courts suggest players want to see:
- More dedicated pickleball courts, rather than shared tennis courts
- Better lighting for evening play
- Court resurfacing and repairs at popular locations
- Expanded hours and fairer scheduling for group play
Where the action happens
Simi Valley’s main pickleball hub is Rancho Simi Community Park, known locally as Duck Park, which has six lighted courts dedicated to pickleball. They’re open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Other playing spots include Sinaloa Middle School, which offers twelve dedicated courts but no lighting, and Rancho Tapo Community Park, which has shared courts.
According to the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, these courts are part of a larger network of public recreational facilities that the district manages for Simi’s 126,000 residents. The agency has encouraged residents to share feedback as it plans future upgrades.
Why the forum matters
Pickleball’s rise in Simi mirrors what’s happening nationwide. The sport’s mix of low-impact exercise and social connection has drawn players of all ages — from teens to retirees.
Yet growth has outpaced local infrastructure. Many cities in Ventura County, including Thousand Oaks and Camarillo, have already expanded or upgraded pickleball facilities in response to public demand. Simi Valley players hope tonight’s meeting will push their city to do the same.
For many, it’s about more than just sports. It’s about community.
“This is where friendships are built,” one local player wrote online. “We meet here almost every morning. We just need more space — and a little support.”
What’s next
The RSRPD board is expected to hear comments from players and may respond or ask questions about specific requests. Afterward, staff will compile feedback and determine what can be addressed in future plans or budgets.
Residents who can’t attend tonight’s meeting can follow updates through the Simi Valley Pickleball Facebook group or by contacting the park district directly.
The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District headquarters, 4201 Guardian Street. Seating is limited, and players are encouraged to arrive early.
