The Foundation for Girsh Park is looking to the community for donations to help restore one of the park’s restroom buildings that sustained damage from two small fires on Dec. 28 that fire officials believe to be arson.
According to fire officials and the Foundation for Girsh Park, trash and paper towel dispensers in the restrooms in the Marborg Industries Fieldhouse near the baseball fields were set ablaze the afternoon of Dec. 28.
The fires were quickly knocked down by firefighters in about 10 minutes, but the structure already had received some damage.
“Vandals ignited fires that ravaged trash cans and paper towel dispensers, leaving behind a trail of smoke and soot that has marred the integrity of our cherished facility,” the Foundation said in an email. “While the fires were swiftly extinguished, the aftermath has left our restrooms in dire need of restoration. … Every donation counts, and as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your contributions are instrumental in rebuilding what has been damaged.”
Paper towel dispensers that were burned were removed in at least one of the restrooms, and smoke damage can be seen inside the building.
The Foundation for Girsh Park provided two options for those wanting to donate and support the park: joining the Friends of Girsh Park and donating online or by check, or buying a brick for $500 with a name or message etched into it to “leave a lasting mark on the grounds for all in the community to see.”
More information on donating to the Foundation for Girsh Park is available on its website here.
The Marborg Industries Fieldhouse in the Elings Fields Complex is the most recent capital improvement project at Girsh Park and contains the restrooms, a concession stand, and storage.
The project to build the structure, as well as upgrading batting cages, building a new Camino Real Playground, and constructing new walkways, were funded by the park’s $700,000 Fields Forever 3 Capital Campaign.
“Girsh Park isn’t just sports fields,” a Foundation for Girsh Park representative said. “It’s a thriving center where diverse backgrounds converge, where dreams take shape, and where the spirit of unity thrives. … By supporting Girsh Park, you’re not just helping repair damages; you’re sending a resounding message that our community stands together against vandalism and arson.”
Several local sports groups such as Dos Pueblos Little League, AYSO Region 122, the Santa Barbara Soccer Club, and more gather at and utilize the park’s fields.
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department did not provide any updates on the cause or further investigation of the fires at this time.