Goleta is accepting reservations for the city’s group barbecue areas, which have been closed to public access for more than a year. The reservation program is being restored at Stow Grove Park, and reservations are available at Goleta’s at newest park, Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park.
Effective immediately, the two covered areas at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park can be reserved for gatherings. The other four group areas near the field will remain available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Stow Grove Park and Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park are the only city parks that take reservations. Girsh Park is a private park, and Goleta Beach Park is run by Santa Barbara County. There are also a number of parks within the city with picnic tables available on a first-come, first-served basis.
“As soon as Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park opened, we received numerous requests to reserve the space for family gatherings and birthday parties,” said JoAnne Plummer, Parks and Recreation manager.
“The Parks and Recreation Commission supported a recommendation, and we are pleased to provide these two covered areas as reservable options for the community leaving four other picnic areas open as first-come, first-served,” she said.
To reserve a group picnic area, please visit www.CityofGoleta.org/GroupPicnic or call City Hall, 805-961-7500. Reservations are for the entire day.
It will be necessary to download the 2021 Group Picnic Area Reservation Application and return the completed form via email to parkreservations@cityofgoleta.org or mail it with payment to: City of Goleta, Group Picnic Area Reservations, 130 Cremona Drive, Ste. B, Goleta, CA 93117.
The city has updated its Group Picnic Area Reservations web page so viewers can see the current availability; the schedule is updated every Friday. Also on the webpage are photos of the group picnic areas that can be reserved, frequently asked questions, and park rules.
If an area is not rented ahead of time, it is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park is Old Town Goleta at 170 S. Kellogg Ave. There are two picnic areas available to reserve, both with a maximum capacity of 30 people. The park includes a multi-purpose field, basketball court, handball court, concrete ping-pong table, bocce ball court, pickleball court, perimeter walking path, fitness nodes with exercise equipment, picnic areas, and skateboard plaza.
Stow Grove Park, on La Patera Lane is one of the city’s most historically rich parks. There are three picnic areas available to reserve, with maximum capacity of 50-100 individuals. Stow Grove Park offers a variety of natural beauty including redwood groves, native plants, and sycamore, oak and eucalyptus trees.
Park amenities include a softball field, two volleyball courts, horseshoes, open lawn and playground, restrooms, grills, benches, and picnic tables. Stow Grove Park is ideal park for a family or company picnic.
For more information, visit www.CityofGoleta.org/GroupPicnic.