The city of Santa Barbara’s Sustainability & Resilience Department invites the community to join Mayor Randy Rowse and the City Council for a ceremony marking the completion of the Creeks Division’s Mission Creek Restoration Project at Oak Park, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 638 W. Junipero St.

The restoration project transformed a 1,800-foot section of Mission Creek within Oak Park back to its natural configuration through the removal of concrete structures within the creek bed, restoration of hardened creek banks, and creation of floodplain habitat.

“This restoration project demonstrates our commitment to restoring and preserving Santa Barbara’s natural beauty and ecological health,” said Erin Markey, Creeks Division manager.

“By revitalizing Mission Creek at Oak Park, we’re creating thriving habitat for wildlife, improving local creek water quality, and enhancing a space for the community to enjoy and connect with nature,” Markey said.

The project’s key elements included removing invasive non-native plants, restoring the creek channel, creating floodplain habitat, and revegetation with over 3,000 native plants and trees.

Removal of aging concrete structures in the creek has improved park aesthetics, and the restored creek channel will provide improved shelter and access for wildlife, the city said.

Native trees will help shade and cool the creek, while native plants will naturally filter pollutants from the water, the city said.

Funding for the Mission Creek Restoration at Oak Park was provided by hotel visitors through Measure B. The total project construction cost was $814,231.

For more, visit Mission Creek Restoration at Oak Park – SantaBarbaraCA.gov/MissionCreek.