This beautiful six acre park is part of the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District and is the home of the Simi Valley Historical Society. We have many historic structures at our Park. The Simi Adobe, is the oldest structure still standing in Simi. Some other historic buildings at the park include the Strathearn House, the original St. Rose of Lima Church, Ventura County’s first public library, two Colony houses, the barbershop building, the Wood Ranch barns, and the Currier Apricot Pitting Shed. We are also the site of California Historic Landmark Number 979, El Rancho Simi.
You may notice that the name of our city is pronounced two different ways: Simi (SEE-mi) and Simí (si-MEE)
If you speak with a long-time resident, they pronounce the name “Simí,” with the accent on the last syllable. This is because the name Simí was first written in Spanish during the Rancho era, and an accent was placed on the last syllable to reflect the pronunciation of the name. The Spanish wrote the name based on how they heard the native people, the Chumash, pronouncing the name Shimiji. Shimiji was the name of the Chumash Native American village here before the Spanish arrived.
Of course...language can change over time. Many years ago ‘Hueneme’ was commonly pronounced ‘HuenemA,’ and ‘Piru’ was pronounced ‘PEEEru.’ Some longtime Ventura County residents still use those pronunciations.
Many newer residents of this City pronounce the name “SEE-mi.”
Simi Valley historian Pat Havens prefers the original pronunciation, which she feels honors the history. You’ll hear both pronunciations while taking this audio tour.
This audio tour of Strathearn Park will take you around the Park in twenty stops. Each stop is between a minute to about three minutes long. Though it is not necessary, it is best if you visit the stops in order. Enjoy your tour!