Hundreds of children and community members alike are now able to use Goleta’s newly renovated multi-use recreational field at 5679 Hollister Ave., behind the Goleta Valley Community Center and adjacent to the Boys & Girls Club.
The city of Goleta, on Oct. 2, celebrated the grand opening of the spacious field at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community members, city staff, local dignitaries, the project team, and many of the children who will be using the field every day.
The improved one-acre site includes new natural grass turf with gopher mesh for the field, new irrigation, a walking perimeter path, a fitness station and new fencing.
The event’s most memorable moment came following the ribbon-cutting when children from the Boys and Girls Club ran joyfully through a human tunnel and across the field for the first time. Several children shared what they are looking forward to in using the facility:
“Thank you for redoing our field. I would like to use the field for playing soccer and football,” said Annel Pacheco, 11.
“I will be looking forward to playing soccer, football and other kinds of sports,” said Abraham Corrales, 12.
Speaking at the event, Vyto Adomaitis, Goleta’s director of Neighborhood Services and Public Safety, said: “Just a few weeks ago we were standing on a field with gopher holes and now look at this beautiful multi-use field. So much work went into this wonderful project and I am pleased to report it was completed on time and under budget.”
In his remarks, Goleta Mayor Pro Tempore Kyle Richards said: “We are so excited the community has another place to play, exercise and just be together. We believe in the importance in having open spaces that provide a clean and safe place for people to gather.”
Mayor Paula Perotte was unable to attend the event due to an injury, but she said: “This new recreation space is a great addition for the entire community, the hundreds of children who attend the Goleta Boys & Girls Club each day, and those who use the Goleta Valley Community Center.
“In addition to the recently opened Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park in Old Town Goleta, this field shows the city’s commitment to creating spaces for the community to enjoy.”
To view a short video clip of the celebration, visit https://youtu.be/6w32l49fKoI.
The city broke ground on the project on June 19. Funding was provided by a combination of a $267,000 Housing Related Parks Program grant from California’s Department of Housing and Community Development, and nearly $281,000 in Park Development Impact Fees.
At the ribbon cutting, community members were able to check out information booths about upcoming city projects and programs. The Goleta Police Department motor unit was present as well, along with several Sheriff’s K9 teams.
— Kelly Hoover for city of Goleta.