Happy Thanksgiving Eve! As we embrace the spirit of gratitude, there’s no better time to reflect on the impact of generosity in our community. This holiday season, maximize the power of your giving by supporting the local nonprofits that make a difference in Santa Barbara County.
With #GivingTuesday just around the corner, Noozhawk invites you to explore our Giving Guide, showcasing incredible organizations dedicated to uplifting our community. Together, we can close out the year with purpose and compassion, joining a global movement of generosity on December 3, 2024.
In this interview, Noozhawk connected with Dean Noble, Executive Director of Elings Park, to learn more about their mission to make Santa Barbara happier, healthier, smarter and more inspired through the arts, recreation and nature.
Elings Park
Question: What is the name of your nonprofit, and what is its mission?
Answer: Elings Park makes Santa Barbara happier, healthier, smarter and more inspired through the arts, recreation and nature.
Q: How long has your organization been serving the community, and who founded it?
A: Elings Park’s official ribbon cutting was November 17, 1985. However, official planning began decades earlier in January, 1965.
Q: What motivated the creation of your nonprofit?
A: The park’s was founded in response community’s need for more urban greenspace.
Q: How is your nonprofit primarily funded, and what are its biggest needs right now?
A: Elings Park is a 501 (c) 3 organization that relies on community funding through generous donations, one-of-a-kind programs, site rentals and memorable events.
Q: What types of events or programs do you run to engage your community and raise funds?
A: While known as a hub for local recreation, our cultural activities now attract as many participants as our sports teams.
Q: How is your team structured? Have there been any major changes in your operations since you started?
A: Our renovated tennis center on Las Positas is a gem. Please visit!
Q: Can you share a fun fact or little-known detail about your nonprofit that would surprise people?
A: Elings Park is large. Disneyland is a mere 100 acres and Elings Park is 230 acres.
Q: Could you share a story or two about individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by your organization?
A: Elings Park has planted over 600 trees, 4,000 coastal shrubs and refurbished nine miles of trails in conjunction with the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Sage Trail Alliance, Channel Islands Restoration, Your Children’s Trees, The Bucket Brigade, UCSB, The Alternatives to Violence Program, the Santa Barbara Foundation, The Adams Legacy Foundation, Trek Trails Foundation and the Hutton Parker Foundation.
Q: How do you share your nonprofit’s impact and updates with the public?
A: Elings Park’s social media features everything from wildlife videos to music events and sports. Please also visit our website to subscribe to our email blasts for the latest on sports, music and park conservation.
Q: Is there anything important or unique about your nonprofit that we haven’t covered yet?
A: Elings Park is an only-in-Santa-Barbara treasure and the largest, privately run and funded nonprofit park in North America
Click here to support the Elings Park mission to make Santa Barbara happier, healthier, smarter and more inspired through the arts, recreation and nature.
Check out Noozhawk’s Guide to Giving for a full list of nonprofits to donate to this giving season.
If you would like to include your nonprofit in our Good for Santa Barbara section and Giving Guide click HERE.