Before European colonization, Santa Barbara was the home of the Chumash.

The city of Santa Barbara is looking to honor and recognize that history, in the form of a new Chumash Cultural Heritage site.

The city wants to convert Ambassador Park, across the street from the waterfront at 100 W. Cabrillo Blvd., into an experience for locals and tourists, with interpretive signage and site for Chumash events. The city’s Parks and Recreation Commission recently discussed the matter and members showed support.

It was once home to the Chumash’s Syuxtun Village.

“It has a very rich history with Santa Barbara’s Chumash heritage, as providing space and being integral to Syuxtun Village,” said Jill Zachary, the city’s Parks & Recreation director.

The small site next to the Hotel Milo was once part of the pathway to the Ambassador/Potter hotel in Santa Barbara.

After the Ambassador Hotel burned down, the site was gifted to the city in 1924. It is now recognized as a city landmark.

Zachary said the site will “honor and celebrate the Chumash people and their culture and be a way to educate visitors about the history of Santa Barbara, beyond just European settlement.”

The project was funded by the Coastal Conservancy.

The site will include a gathering circle, interpretive panel of Oak Woodland Habitat, an interpretive panel of Mountain Chaparral Habitat and other elements celebrating the Chumash culture.

The city met with members of the Chumash community and held workshops and public surveys to get feedback on the design. It is meant to be a pass-through for people. Although it is a city park, no bathrooms will be part of the project.

“This is a site that people pass through,” Zachary said. “It is not a ballfield or neighborhood park where people would spend an entire afternoon.”

Since it is a historical Chumash site, the city can’t by law dig deep underground.

“We don’t have the option to disturb the resources at this location,” Zachary said.

Mark Yee came up with the idea of transforming the park into a cultural heritage center.

Yee’s great-great-great-great-grandfather was the last chief of the village. His great-great-great-grandmother, Maria Ygnacia, was born in 1798 and was the last person born at the village. She died in 1865. His grandmother, Mary Yee, was the last native speaker of the Chumash Barbareno dialect.

“It’s in an urban area and provides access for all people. I think it is currently mostly used by dog walkers, but by going forward with this project you would be able to open it up to the entire community and be more inclusive,” Yee said at a recent city Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.

Cass Ensberg, a member of the Santa Barbara Historic Landmarks Commission, told Noozhawk she supports the project.

“I found it to be a very important project to celebrate and highlight this prominent historical Chumash site along Cabrillo Boulevard where locals and visitors can learn about our indigenous population and enjoy and connect with Santa Barbara’s natural environment,” Ensberg said.

Parks and Recreation Chair Kathy McGill was also impressed with the project.

“Sometimes you have to say this is the only place there is and this is the right thing to do at the right time,” McGill said. “I think it is really exciting.”