Following his formal appointment to lead the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, Steve Wright has set out an ambitious agenda aimed at modernizing regional park facilities, broadening public access, and strengthening community relations across Simi Valley and Oak Park.
Wright officially assumed the responsibilities of district manager on August 3, 2026. His hiring was finalized following a unanimous vote of approval by the agency's governing board on July 15, concluding a nationwide search to secure new executive leadership for the local park system.
Stepping into the role, Wright emphasized that his commitment to public recreation stems from a foundational belief in the universal accessibility of the outdoors. In his view, natural spaces operate without social divisions or prejudice, offering essential environments where all community members can safely gather, relax, and reconnect with their surroundings.
The district manager described public park systems as vital "third places"—spaces separate from the pressures of work and home life. Wright noted that managing publicly held recreational lands is a privilege, framing his tenure as temporary stewardship dedicated to protecting and enhancing assets that belong entirely to local taxpayers.
Wright's arrival follows a turbulent chapter for the park district. His appointment comes roughly four months after the retirement announcement of former district manager Dan Paranick, whose departure in March 2026 concluded an embattled administrative tenure marked by public controversy.
Paranick had previously been placed on an administrative leave of absence in November 2025 after reports surfaced regarding alleged aggressive and intoxicated conduct during a political gathering hosted by the Ventura County Young Republicans. The district’s internal friction intensified in February 2026 when a sitting board member filed legal action against the agency, alleging that Paranick had engaged in harassment and disability discrimination related to the official’s learning impairment.
To stabilize the agency and drive future progress, the board selected Wright, who brings more than 30 years of administrative experience spanning municipal government and the non-profit sector. His professional background includes executive leadership as a vice president for the YMCA of Greater Houston, alongside tenures directing municipal parks and recreation departments for both Houston and College Station, Texas.
Most recently, Wright served as chief of strategic partnerships within Texas’ Harris County Precinct Four, where he helped oversee an expansive network encompassing over 400 parks. The transition to the Rancho Simi agency offers him the opportunity to manage a more compact and community-focused portfolio comprising 51 designated parks.
The new assignment also marks a personal homecoming for Wright and his family. Although originally from the small community of Willis, Texas, Wright previously lived in Simi Valley three decades ago, raising his children in the area and watching them participate in local youth soccer leagues and swim lessons.
Reflecting on his return, Wright indicated that different career and life milestones shift an administrator's priorities toward closer, direct community connectivity. He emphasized that the distinct neighborhood character of Simi Valley provides an ideal setting to build meaningful relationships with residents and patrons.
Looking ahead, Wright identified the agency's primary operational challenge as keeping pace with rapidly shifting definitions of health, wellness, and community recreation. Rather than relying on past accomplishments, he stated that his core objective is to position Rancho Simi as an industry leader that proactively anticipates public needs instead of merely reacting to them.
Among the specific initiatives under consideration are expanding sports facilities to accommodate the growing regional demand for pickleball courts, adding new cycling trails, and deliberately integrating mental wellness considerations into future capital improvements. Wright stressed that modern park design must actively support both psychological well-being and physical fitness.
Infrastructure modernizations are already being prioritized. Wright plans to oversee key updates at the Rancho Santa Susana Community Park and Community Center to ensure the facility remains functional and appealing to the public. Additionally, the district plans to implement facility improvements at the Rancho Simi Activity Center to better accommodate programming and community use during the hotter summer months.
Achieving these goals will require strong intergovernmental collaboration and inclusive public dialogue. Wright noted the importance of partnering with neighboring municipal entities while actively soliciting perspectives from a wide range of constituents, placing special emphasis on engaging younger residents whose insights can help guide long-term planning.
Wright described his managerial philosophy as rooted in servant leadership, maintaining that public trust must be steadily earned through consistent transparency and follow-through. He expressed a commitment to addressing the needs of both Simi Valley and Oak Park residents by holding public discussions and ensuring the district delivers on its stated project commitments.
Rather than remaining confined to administrative offices, Wright stated that he intends to remain highly visible and accessible throughout the district’s recreational areas. By engaging with residents directly along local trails and at public meetings, the new manager aims to maintain a direct pulse on community priorities while overseeing the district's open spaces.
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