CORRIGANVILLE PARK MASTER PLAN

by William J. Ehrheart, Corriganville Historian

Additional comments by Bill Raymond

Today’s 250 acres of the City of Simi Valley’s Corriganville Park in Ventura County, California, is identical to the acreage that contained Hollywood’s Golden Era (1934-1954) movie sets of the earlier Corriganville Movie Ranch (former Western town, third world village, frontier fort, outlaw cabins, etc.) and its accompanying scenery (versatile lake, large oak forest, meadows, Wild West rock formations, network of trails, etc.). What of the Ranch’s advertised 2,000 acres? Most all of that acreage consisted of Santa Susana Mountains' slopes to the north of the movie ranch, that served as Western scenic backdrop to the cameras filming production company action in the foreground. Corrigan’s property once extended all the way to the Rocky Peak summit of the Santa Susanas. This was the property that was separated from the central ranch when the State’s 118 Freeway began construction in the late 1960s.

Elsewhere on this web site you can locate the "how, when and where" of Corriganville Park. The title "Corriganville Park" is not new. It appeared as such on ad brochures of the famous movie ranch during the late 1950s. The former ranch is managed today by the Rancho Simi Open Space Conservation Agency (RSOSCA, a five member board: two Simi Valley City Councilmen, two Parks and Recreation Department employees, and one community member.). The Park’s title reflects the historic use of the property and its current emphasis as a regional park or open space.

This section presents direct quotes from the 82 page December, 1988 Corriganville Park Master Plan Report that declares within this document that the City of Simi Valley will restore (reconstruct) nearly all of the classical set structures and features of the historic Corriganville Movie Ranch. The Park was obtained and the reconstruction plan formulated largely through the efforts of the residents of the City of Simi Valley, who wanted this well-known movie ranch preserved for future generations, as its Western entertainment had meant so much to them.

The city, county and state agencies that worked together to make restoration of the former Corriganville Movie Ranch features a legal possibility are an enabling arm of the residents of Simi Valley, and of all Californians that knew Corriganville. Since the desires of Simi Valley residents and the input of their organized citizen’s committees are reflected in the wording of the 1988 Corriganville Park Master Plan Report, the Master Plan, therefore, is a public trust, devoted to implementing the instructions contained therein.

California residents and other interested parties will rejoice to see the positive wording of the Master Plan that declares affirmatively that classical features of the former movie ranch/theme park will be reconstructed for their enjoyment. Of the millions that visited Corriganville,, thousands are still with us that retain especially fond memories of activities engaged in at the ranch. It is hoped that the information presented here will encourage those who once visited Corriganville to get in touch with members of the Rancho Simi Open Space Conservation Agency/RSOSCA board (see below) and inquire after the progress of reconstruction guided by the Master Plan, that indicate which classical features of the ranch shall be restored.

BRIEF TIMELINE of TODAY’S CORRIGANVILLE PARK

1967-1982

Hopetown/Corriganville: in private hands, no public allowed.

1983

Paul Griffin, Jr., Simi Valley developer, makes $4.6 million purchase option on remaining 240 acres of Corriganville below the 118 Freeway. Excited residents and City officials parley.

1985

Griffin’s high-density development plan rejected by City. He is granted 40 acres along Kuehner Dr. for 219 single-family homes.

1987

California Assembly & Senate passes SB #1508 to buy Ranch’s remaining 190 acres for Simi Valley; $1 Million. RSOSCA board formed.

1988

Former Hopetown name legally changed to Corriganville Park. Corriganville Park Master Plan initiated and published; includes Phase I & II developments.

1990-1992

17 acre parcel along S.P. Railroad tracks added to Corriganville Park. Future acreage increments will be added.

Mid 1990's

All permits & plans finalized to proceed with Phase I.

All of ‘90s

Insufficient funds. Insufficient funds.

May 1998

Official public opening of Corriganville Park with basic limited improvements in place.

April 1999

21.4 acres added to south edge of Park; includes historic stagecoach trail.

May 1999

50th Anniversary of public admittance to Corriganville. A history of Corriganville published by The Ventura County Museum of History & Art (Historical Society), "The World’s Most Famous Movie Ranch: Ray "Crash" Corrigan and Corriganville."

[William J. Ehrheart's comments are enclosed in brackets]

1988 CORRIGANVILLE PARK MASTER PLAN REPORT EXCERPTS

[Emphasizing public desire and Simi Valley agreement that classical structures & features of the former movie ranch will be reconstructed.]

[Wording of the Master Plan begins tentatively, as citizens and city representatives discuss general areas of concern, but firms up to the commitment level as specific performances are brought into focus.]

Page 16: Drainage & Hydrology Perennial Water Feature

The large supply of easily pumped groundwater creates the opportunity for year-round flowing water on the site by the pumping of groundwater through the existing gunited portion of Arroyo Simi. A year-round water feature would be a visual amenity and a wildlife enhancement.

Page 19: Vegetation Trees: Oaks:

The Coastal Live Oak and the Valley Oak are considered a unique resource for the City. …the oaks of Corriganville Park should be preserved. There are 428 plus oaks on the property …. All but eight…are Coastal Live Oaks…. Five of the oaks are specimen trees having diameters of up to 60 inches.

Opportunities Rejuvenation of the Oak Woodland:

Instituting a program of planting seedlings can revegetate oak woodland.

Page 31: Man-Made Conditions Opportunities -

Opportunity to have State Funding available for land acquisition of surrounding parcels.

Page 34: Cultural Resources Opportunities -

Historical and Archaeological Interpretive Center. An important opportunity exists for an interpretive center which would describe the historical and archaeological significance of the site.

Incorporation of the Historic Stage Coach Route into the Existing Trail System.

Park Theming: Recognizing the "wild west" history of the Park provides an opportunity for the theming of park development.

Page 43: Goals - Goals: Introduction

During a series of public presentations and work sessions, the community and concerned citizens were invited to voice their interests, desires and goals for development of Corriganville Park. These goals and objectives for Park development, diverse, and at times contradictory, to the greatest extent possible represent a shared community vision. In the several cases where contradiction and potential conflict exist among the articulated goals, the community, staff and planners relied upon a method of prioritizing these goals to establish a framework for Park development. Priority was given to those goals that represent the greatest common desire….

Goals: Categories

Goals are organized in the following six categories: programmatic elements, environmental concerns, cultural and historic requirements, trails, vehicular access and parking, security and maintenance, and implementations. Each category includes goals which specifically respond to regional, city-wide and neighborhood interests. Where important, these interests have been noted.

Goals: Programmatic Elements

3. Corriganville Park will include only those programmatic elements compatible with the unique cultural and historical nature of the site.

Page 44: Goals: Cultural and Historic Requirements

1. The Corriganville Park Master Plan will acknowledge the site’s important historic and cultural resources through exhibits, historic markers, and interpretive display. 2. The Master Plan will recognize the importance of Corriganville for its dual role as a movie set and amusement park. Programmatic elements that reflect and/or document this historic role should be encouraged. 3. The Corriganville Park Master Plan will acknowledge the site’s key location as an historic trail link and mountain pass connecting the San Fernando Valley and points north. Trails, trail markers, and trailheads should reflect this important role. 5. The Corriganville Park Master Plan shall encourage the coordination of any on-site cultural and historical facilities with the Simi Valley Historical Society. 6. The Corriganville Park Master Plan shall endorse a limited program of on-site cultural events including living history days, fairs, camping , jamborees, and Corriganville filming reenactments.

Page 46: Goals: Implementations

1. To promote financially feasible developments of the site, the Corriganville Park Master Plan will provide for phased development. 2. To partially provide for the on-going operational costs associated with this park, the Corriganville Park Master Plan shall anticipate revenue generation through park use fees (group activities) and concession fees. [Not in place yet.] 3. To provide the breadth of cultural, historical, and educational programs envisioned for this site, the Corriganville Park Master Plan will rely upon the support of volunteer groups residing in the Simi Valley and surrounding region.

Page 47: Site Suitabilities Identification of Suitability Zones

Sherwood [Robin Hood] Forest

General Site Characteristics:

Sherwood [Robin Hood] Forest has been the setting for numerous films. Improvements made by the film industry, but now in the state of disrepair, include a concrete lined pond situated along the Arroyo Simi drainageway, gunite covered rock outcroppings, bridges across the Arroyo Simi and water lines serving the pond area. In addition unauthorized uses of the Sherwood [Robin Hood] Forest area in the last decade has caused severe erosion and soil compaction.

Opportunities and Constraints:

As a development opportunity, the oak woodland area offers shade for summertime activities, relatively flat sites for building, and beautiful visual surroundings for year round enjoyment. Rehabilitation of the existing water feature (the high water table may provide an abundant source of underground water), and identification of the area’s film/historical significance will provide additional amenities. However, it must be noted that views and noise created by Highway 118 are objectionable and wi ll always provide a constant disturbance.

Page 49: Development Suitability:

Sherwood [Robin Hood] Forest offers limited development potential due to environmental constraints. Low intensity development and environmentally sensitive uses are suggested. Compatible uses include passive recreational activities such as picnicking, interpretive study, bird watching, relaxing, hiking, and some overnight camping. Interpretive studies might focus on the zone’s film history, ecological and environmental characteristics.

Corriganville General Site Characteristics:

The Corriganville Zone [Silvertown area], approximately 5.2 acres, is a relatively flat open area bounded by steep topography and dramatic rock outcroppings on its northwest and northeast sides, and an imposing eucalyptus windrow on its southern boundary. Corriganville [Silvertown] is remembered as a western town (movie set) utilized by the filming industry during the mid decades of the twentieth century and as an amusement park during the 1950’s and 1960’s. Foundations and scattered remnants are all that remain of this once flourishing facility.

Opportunities and Constraints:

The Corriganville Zone [Silvertown area] offers numerous opportunities for development. The flat site, enclosed and screened off from off-site areas by topography and vegetation, with immediate vehicular and pedestrian site access, makes Corriganville [Silvertown] an ideal location for building and park development. Deep alluvial soils provide positive drainage and allow for financially feasible utility placement. Corriganville’s [Silvertown’s] location outside the wildlife corridor, and its relative freedom from the constraints of sensitive riparian vegetation and oaks further add to its development potential.

Page 50: Development Suitability:

With few environmental constraints, the Corriganville Zone [Silvertown area] is suitable for a variety of development types. Any proposed development should be compatible with the surrounding residential community and should not exceed the carrying capacity of Smith Road. Suitable uses include: active recreation, picnicking, large group gathering, park orientation, hiking and trailhead activities, and uses requiring buildings and infrastructural development (restrooms, Park headquarters, museum, barn, maintenance building, office, parking and roads).

This area, with its recent history as a film set and amusement park, is suitable for some restoration of previous facilities. However, with limited available parking on-site and the potential for negative impact to surrounding residences, any Corriganville [Silvertown] restoration must be considerably smaller than the original facility.

Page 56: Planning Alternatives Design Summary Alternative C

is the most intensively developed of the three schemes. Environmental preservation and restoration are major components of this scheme. However, unlike the two previous schemes, Alternative C provides major environmental improvements to the Arroyo Simi riparian area. This concept also proposes expanded recreational facilities with restoration of a "Corriganville" ["Silvertown"] type western town development, larger group and individual picnic areas and playgrounds, and an expanded trail system with larger equestrian facilities.

Page 61: Alternative C [Detailed]

Alternative C increases development intensity by introducing site improvements and recreational facilities not found in the other alternatives. Hence, this concept will be more costly to implement, maintain, and operate than the other alternatives. However, increased capital improvements may be offset by the revenue generating activities.

Alternative C has many similarities to Alternative A with respect to road alignment, trails network, siting of use areas, and location of buildings. However, Alternative C increases development in all of identified use areas. Picnic areas will be furnished with an increased amount of user facilities, playground areas will be further developed with custom play apparatus, and trailheads will include additional improvements.

A primary attraction of this concept will be partial restoration and recreation [reconstruction] of the Corriganville "Western Town" [Silvertown]. This phased development will be themed in the spirit of the historic town and will satisfy a variety of user needs. Several buildings constructed within this Park Headquarters zone might house a museum, several themed concessions, an indoor theater, restrooms, a conference room, and staff facilities.

Alternative C introduces a recirculating stream which extends from Sherwood [Robin Hood] Forest through the riparian area to Corriganville [Silvertown]. Similar to Alternative B, this concept proposes development of a lake within the confines of the historic lake bed adjacent to Sherwood [Robin Hood] Forest. Several pedestrian bridges crossing the stream are proposed, as well as the rehabilitation of the dam at one end of the lake.

Equestrian facilities at the Fort Apache Area will include a corral, horse trailer parking, and a barn for the housing of a stagecoach and perhaps a string lease operation [horse rentals]. To accommodate the operations of a stagecoach ride, the service/loop trail connecting the three major activity areas will be widened and improved.

The Park also has increased capacity to accommodate parking and visitors. The plan suggests potential off-site parking opportunities either by land acquisition [which they have done] or through lease agreements [which they have not done].

Estimated Cost $3,233,000 [in 1988 dollars. Today: $6.4 million.]

Page 63: The Master Plan Summary of Plan

The Corriganville Park Master Plan envisions a regional park facility committed to the preservation and enhancement of an environmentally sensitive setting, and on-going ecological and interpretive study of this resource. The Plan recognizes the overriding importance of the wildlife corridor and the preservation of endangered plant species. In many cases, the Plan’s recommendations for the type, location, and extent of use represents a compromise in which a balance has been struck between conflicting objectives. In several cases, the Plan recommends additional study be undertaken.

Suggested uses, in response to the environmental setting, surrounding residential uses, and regional and local open space goals, include predominantly passive and informal activities of an unstructured nature. The Park is intended to serve the regional user, residents of Simi Valley, individuals, and groups.

The Master Plan recognizes the significant cultural and historic resources of the Park and makes every effort to preserve, to restore, and/or acknowledge site archaeology, historic trails and roads, and the more recent film industry/"Western Town" [Silvertown] use of the Park.

Page 64: Park Uses

Activities of a passive and/or informal nature are suggested. Uses include trail related activities, nature study/educational uses, picnicking, informal play, playground activities, limited group camping activities, and specific activities related to Corriganville "Western Town" [City leaders, unfamiliar with the historic ranch, do not know to call it "Silvertown."], Fort Apache, and Sherwood [Again, unaware leaders at the helm. Robin Hood] Forest. [Sherwood Forest, Simi Valley leaders, is at the S.E. edge of Westlake Village, at the L.A./Ventura County line. THE NAME IS SPOKEN FOR! These City administrators came into office long after the fame of Corriganville had faded, and local history was not their specialty. Their lack of familiarity with the historic subject at hand shows throughout the full document. It’s like they are dissecting a Martian alien.]

Uses associated with Corriganville "Western Town" [Silvertown], Sherwood [Robin Hood] Forest, and Fort Apache [Wonder how they got that one right?] are of a more formalized nature. Uses in these areas will specifically encourage group activities. Intended uses and facilities include: group picnicking, children’s playgrounds, meadows for active play (informal softball, soccer, volleyball, etc.), group nature study, end educational assembly. [ Will the Fort Apache troops blow assembly?]

The Corriganville Special Use Area will present unique activities associated with the restored "Western Town" [Silvertown]. Activities will potentially include: stunt shows, stagecoach rides, living history days, and museum activities.

Page 66: Special Use Areas Corriganville Activity Area [Silvertown]

As the major recreational focus, the Corriganville Activity Area will be the most intensively developed location within the Park. Close to the main entry, the large, relatively flat, open space, will be the site of the Park Headquarters. Through the community forum process, it has become apparent that OVERWHELMING community support exists for the restoration of the western town. The first phase of Park Headquarters development is expected to include a visitor’s center, staff offices, restrooms, space for interpretive exhibits, a gift shop, and possibly a small indoor theater. To recapture the atmosphere of the site during the filming era, all development in the Corriganville Activity Area should be architecturally designed in the "Old West" style. More importantly, all development within the restoration area should respect the site layout of the historic town. Available historic photos, interviews with early park u sers, perhaps origin al blueprints [Rancho Simi Parks and Recreation now has complete copies of historic blueprints of all Silvertown buildings, as well as the Fort Apache structure, donated by former Hollywood set contractor Gene Hilchey, who has collected blueprints of most all Hollywood back-lot sets, and who is also a Hollywood historian. Why donated? Because Mr. Hilchey volunteered to provide his own reconstruction crew to rebuild Silvertown to 1999 standards and still keep the original look, all at a fair and reasonable price, and the City said no. Why? Because the City has no money, and will not do their homework sufficient to attract the money? Why? Because they have eight-to-five municipal civil service jobs that pay their salaries, and their job descriptions do not include their going the "extra mile" for Corriganville. Like department-store clerks, they "represent" the parent company, but how well? Catch-22: the City "bought" Corriganville, and even though they have a money pipeline t o acquire additional land parcels to add to Corriganville Park, they do NOT have one to rebuild the classic historical structures there. And, they will not put forth the effort to attract outside money in the quantity that is required to complete this project.] should enable Park designers to recreate development in the image of the original town. Compliance with established design guidelines is important in preserving the history of the Park and may best promote the Park for future filming opportunities. Future phases of development should be anticipated in the design of site infrastructure and utilities. Future phases of development could include additional gift shops, a museum, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Page 67:

The picnic area, located adjacent to the recirculating stream and Park Headquarters, will provide basic facilities for family picnicking including new shade tree plantings, irrigated lawns, picnic tables, and other amenities.

As part of the Corriganville Activity Area, a large open meadow [now gravel and weeds] situated between the Park Headquarters and Sandalwood Road [The road between Silvertown and Fort Apache, that passes in front of the historic Corsican Village area.] will serve a variety of recreational and community uses. The meadow will be an irrigated lawn and may function as the site for outdoor events such as antique car shows, "Wild West" demonstrations, cook-offs, festivals, animal shows, or art exhibits. Permit fees from these events will provide an additional revenue source for park operations. When not utilized for special events, the meadow will serve to buffer the Corriganville Area from the road, main entry, and nearby residences.

Page 68: Sherwood [Robin Hood] Forest Activity Area

Sherwood [Robin Hood] Forest, the second major active use area, is characterized by loosely defined activity zones and less development. Major zones include the Sherwood [Robin Hood] Forest Picnic Area, a lake [Robin Hood] adjacent to the picnic area, a recirculating stream along the Arroyo Simi, and a Youth Camping Area at the northeastern end of this area.

The largest and most developed Park picnic area will be located in Sherwood [Robin Hood] Forest. Taking advantage of tree cover, a picturesque setting, proximity to the Arroyo Simi [Robin Hood] lake and stream, and adjacent road, parking and restroom facilities, this area has the capacity to accommodate large groups [The Merry Men and King John’s minions combined.].

Group facilities will include two large picnic shelters, barbecue facilities, picnic tables, trash receptacles, and drinking fountains [They MUST have drinking fountains at Disneyland by now.] Group facilities will be located outside the dripline of oaks in an effort to minimize compaction.

Meadow area within the Sherwood [Robin Hood] Forest will be irrigated to improve the vegetative cover, to encourage oak reseeding, and to reduce potential fire danger. Irrigation will occur outside the dripline of existing oaks so as not to encourage root fungus.

Adjacent to Sherwood [Robin Hood] Forest Picnic Area is a proposed [Robin Hood] lake, occupying the exact location of the historic [Robin Hood] lake (film era). The proposed lake will utilize the existing gunited lake basin. Similar to the original lake, water will be provided from on-site wells. Investigations indicate that a high water table and underground aquifer on-site will provide abundant lake water. Lake associated activities might include supervised boat rentals. Swimming will be prohibited.

Reconstruction of the underwater filming vault and bridge at the lake is necessary to permit safe vehicular and pedestrian crossing. The bridge will also function as a new dam for the lake. In addition to structural engineering, this structure must be hydraulically engineered to maintain proper lake water levels and allow for drainage during storm runoff. Another bridge is planned upstream near the highway drainage culvert. Though the streambed is dry for most of the year, the intent of this bridge is to provide safe access from the Youth Camping Area to the Sherwood [Robin Hood] Forest Activity Area.

Beginning at the lake dam, the Plan calls for introduction of a recirculating stream. (Preliminary studies indicate that provision of a lake and stream will enhance wildlife habitat and the wildlife corridor.) The stream will follow the existing Arroyo Simi stream channel, ending at the Corriganville Western Town [Silvertown]. The stream will carry both natural and recirculating flows.

As part of the Sherwood [Robin Hood] Forest Activity Area, a Youth Camping Area is proposed for the sloping site on the northern side of the lake. This area is nestled between the toe of the massive highway slope, large rock outcroppings, and the existing oak woodlands around the drainage area. The area may require some regrading to provide for the terracing of flat tent sites. Improvements in this area include barbecue stands, a drinking fountain, a fire ring, picnic tables, a rustic amphitheater, and low level lighting identifying the bridge. In an effort to minimize disturbance of the nocturnal migration of wildlife, dense screening vegetation will separate the camping area from the lake and picnic area. Additional protective measures may be outlined in the Santa Susana Wildlife Movement Study.

Fort Apache Activity Area

The third major activity area is the Fort Apache Activity Area located at the secondary entrance to the Park along Sandalwood Drive [The former route leading to the rodeo arena and the Kuehner Drive/Los Angeles Avenue entrance gates.]. The focus of this area will be the Fort Apache Playground which is appropriately located where the original "Fort Apache" western movie was [partially] filmed. Through research of film studio archives [No longer necessary, with Gene Hilchey’s gift.], this play structure should be reminiscent in appearance of the original fort. While providing for the recreational needs of children between the ages of 8-14 years old [cowboys and Indians, of course], the fort will be integrated into the interpretive trail system. The fort will have facilities for a variety of physical and creative ["Bang,Bang?"] activities. Supervision for this area is encouraged either through an arrangement with the Recreation and Park District or through a commun ity volunteer effort.

In addition to the playground, the other major element of this area will be the development of a corral and stables. This location will be considered the hub for the Park’s equestrian activities and services. The corral will be used primarily for equestrian rental operations [Ride the trails your Western heroes once rode.]. Unless specifically authorized by the Recreation and Park District, horses will not remain overnight and will be transported to the corral on a regular basis. It is expected that the corral will be in service primarily on weekends and during special events. Improvements as part of the corral will include a watering trough, fencing, feed storage, barn, and debris facilities [Sorry, no bunkhouse, boys!]. Space will be provided in the barn for a stagecoach and related equipment.

With the development of the adjacent loop trail, it is hoped that a private concessionaire will provide a stagecoach ride operation, recalling the days of Corriganville and the historic trade route. Public equestrian facilities will include hitching posts, a watering trough, and a shade structure [ramada]. Provisions for limited horse trailer parking, near the corral and trailhead, are indicated on the Plan.

The second largest picnic area in the park is located in this area, north of Corriganville [Silvertown], among an existing stand of oak trees [The Corsican/Vendetta Village area.]. Amenities provided for this area are similar to those of the Corriganville [Silvertown] Picnic Area. This area may receive the largest concentration of families as it is centrally located between two children’s play areas. Precautions should be implemented to separate the Stagecoach Loop Trail from the picnic area.

Page 72: Cultural & Historic Recognition

The Master Plan recognizes significant cultural and historic resources of the Park. In an effort to incorporate these resources within the Plan, specific recommendations have been made for preservation and/or restoration.

With the support of the Corriganville Advisory Committee, historic appreciation of the Master Plan focuses on the recreation [reconstruction] of the Corriganville Western Town [Silvertown]. This area will be the site of a themed western town, designed to be reminiscent of the original development. The Plan refrains from a detailed design approach (considering this as a development mode requiring further study). [In other words, get your order in early, folks. I’ll take the gun shop!]

The Master Plan acknowledges the site’s key location as an historic trail. The Plan recommends restoration, in part, of the Stagecoach Road in the eastern zone of the Park. This road will function as the main hiking/equestrian trail linkage between the Rim-of-the-Valley Trail and the L. A. County Trails System. An interpretive program is proposed, and may include kiosks, signage, guided walks, and interpretive presentations.

Page 73:

Documentation of Hollywood’s influence will be a source of many site improvements. The three Special Use Areas: Corriganville [Silvertown], Sherwood [Robin Hood] Forest, and Fort Apache all take their names from popular movie sets of the past [You see, there IS some understanding there.]. In addition to the recreation of the Corriganville Town [Silvertown], the Master Plan proposes construction of a children’s play structure at the exact location and design of the original movie fort (Fort Apache). Throughout the trails network, many other sites known for their cinematic importance will be recognized through an interpretive program of identification.

Page 78: Funding [Here’s the rub.]

The acquisition of the Corriganville Park site was a culmination of extensive public review of the proposed land uses for this property. The combination of State and local resources which were combined to acquire this site were the result of extensive efforts by legislators at both the State and local levels. The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Staff and Board played a key role in creating a resource of $1 million dollars to be applied to the acquisition. The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District Board of Directors and the City Council of the City of Simi Valley agreed to a significant contribution of local funds to bring the acquisition to completion. The Griffin Development Company, as property owners at the time of acquisition, agreed to an acquisition price substantially below the appraised value of the property. [Another way to interpret this paragraph is: The government paid for it, so the government is calling the shots.]

Public support and encouragement came from a wide variety of groups, organizations, and individuals at numerous public hearings.

This same combination of State and local organizations and individuals have expressed a continued commitment of efforts and resources to begin the development of Corriganville Park. [Flag waving, as it turned out.]

It is anticipated the RSOSCA’s Board of Directors will direct its staff to seek funding assistance through grant applications to various State and Federal agencies and also pool local resources, public funds, and in-kind services to assist in the development and operation of this unique facility. [Looks GREAT, but it didn’t turn out that way.]

Locally and regionally private citizens groups have already expressed interest and demonstrated early success in generating private funds to assist in the restoration of Corriganville.

[Folks, up there, under Funding, they told the strait story, as it happened over ten years ago. The City of Simi Valley tried to obtain funding for Corriganville construction through grant applications to various Federal and State agencies, BUT, the timing was historically wrong. The depression hit Southern California (and the rest of the nation), consequently, the money for "nice to have" projects DRIED UP. In fact, starting in Washington D C, government was now in a "take back" mode. The City even tried to include Corriganville construction in the wording of California State Ballot Proposition #190 in 1994. The voters would have nothing to do with it. They also mention private fund raising efforts. These "event-oriented" local private group fund raising activities went on for years, but with a penny effort being made toward a multi-million dollar need, these resources, if they could be called that, simply ran out of gas.

You say that Hollywood and Las Vegas, whose heritage is historically connected (entertainment) to the Corriganville Movie Ranch have plenty of money to spare. True, but the eight-to-five City employees that man the RSOSCA board and meet four times a year DO NOT find it in their job descriptions as City employees to get down and dirty with "creative" financing and "creative" fund raising on behalf of Corriganville. Yes, there are many legitimate avenues of successful fund raising open to properties like Corriganville. For example: Corriganville is a Historical Landmark at the county and state levels, {When will the board acknowledge this fact? When will they post those two commemorative plaques?] this emphasis, combined with a visitor’s center/museum on the property would open many funding doors that are closed to the property now. Hollywood has just begun to recognize the former movie ranch AS A MOVIE RANCH! Why the delay? Young heads of production companies and young producers and directors have never heard of Corriganville. It was not part of their experience. The City is not aggressive in advertising Corriganville as available, where it would do the most good. Corriganville could pay for its entire reconstruction quickly, with a steady stream of production companies scheduled to film there. Production companies are also looking for more sound stages. Build one at Corriganville. Corporations with a sympathetic ear to Hollywood nostalgia could be encouraged to resurrect "The World’s Most Famous Movie Ranch." The Rich and Famous could be influenced to dig deep into their respective pockets (tax write-off, or not), in the name of Hollywood’s origins, and finance the entire project virtually overnight. When you are making $20 million a film, what is a $6.4 million reconstruction project?

The Rancho Simi Open Space Conservation Agency (RSOSCA) is operating totally within its comfort zone. They need to get out of it. The Corriganville Park Master Plan is a contract of public trust (as you have seen) with the residents of Simi Valley and the citizens of California who once walked or rode Corriganville’s trails and participated in its entertainment. Citizens wonder today what happened to Corriganville. The RSOSCA governing board is what happened to it, and that is a shame. The following information is given in order that you might get in touch with individual members of the current RSOSCA board and tell them of your personal interest in seeing Corriganville Park reconstructed, in a hurry, as indicated in the Corriganville Park Master Plan Report of 1988. After all, its about time!]

 

COMMENTARY
BY BILL RAYMOND

I just read ... the CORRIGANVILLE MASTER PLAN. It was quite a shock. Since leaving the CPC, I have not been keeping up with the progress of the Park as much as I would like. So I was not aware of some of the final decisions. Alternative C, it turns out, is EXACTLY, in almost every detail, the plan that I, as an officer of the CPC, drew up and turned in to RSOSCA in 1989. The Plan that they told me at that time was not suitable to what they had in mind. Guess they must have changed their mind. Huh? Handy for them that they didn't have to do too much thinking to come up with this NEW plan. Isn't it? If this sounds like sour grapes. You bet it is. I put over six months into putting that plan together. We could have been a long way toward having the Park built by now if we had started then.