The Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department is seeking community perspectives to help shape the future of the city’s parks, open spaces, recreation facilities, and programs.
Feedback will be used to develop the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which will establish a long-term vision for Santa Barbara’s parks and recreation system to help define priorities and guide future improvements.
Parks and Recreation staff spent the summer connecting with residents in city parks and at community and school events to inform them about the Master Plan and hear about their experiences, needs and priorities for the future of Santa Barbara’s parks, facilities and programs.
The outreach phase culminates this fall with the launch of a community survey to ensure everyone has an opportunity to share their input.
The community survey, available in English and Spanish, will be open through Oct. 31.
“This is an opportunity for the community to share what they enjoy in city parks as well as their priorities for the future,” said Jill Zachary, Parks and Recreation director.
“We want people to think beyond what exists today and imagine what could be different, better, or new. This is a chance for everyone to dream big and share their vision for the future,” she said.
“Completing the survey is one of the most important opportunities for the public to shape the Master Plan while it is still being developed,” the city said. “Although there will be additional opportunities to participate as the planning process continues, feedback received before the survey closes will have the greatest influence on the draft plan.”
An independent research firm, ETC Institute, is also conducting a statistically valid survey by directly contacting a representative sample of community members.
The effort is intended to ensure the Master Plan reflects the perspectives of the community as a whole, including people who may not regularly participate in public meetings, respond to surveys, or use city parks or recreation programs.
The department will host six in-person workshops and one virtual workshop for community members who would like to learn more about the Master Plan before completing the survey.
The same presentation will be provided at each workshop, allowing community members to attend whichever is most convenient. Workshops will include a brief presentation followed by an opportunity to ask questions and share feedback with staff.
Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend the following workshops. Spanish translation will be provided.
Parks and Recreation Master Plan Workshops — Oct. 14-24. For series information, visit https://sbparksandrec.santabarbaraca.gov/projects/parks-and-recreation-master-plan.
Workshop # 1
– Wednesday, Oct. 14, 5:30-7 p.m.
at The Riviera Ridge School, 2130 Mission Ridge Road.
Workshop #2
– Thursday, Oct. 15, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
at MacKenzie Center, 3111 State St.
Workshop #3
– Saturday, Oct. 17, 10-11:30 a.m.
at La Cumbre Junior High, 2255 Modoc Road.
Workshop #4
– Tuesday, Oct. 20, 5:30-7 p.m.
at Washington Elementary, 290 Lighthouse Road.
Workshop #5
– Thursday, Oct. 22, 5:30-7: p.m.
at Louise Lowry Davis Center, 111 W. Victoria St.
Workshop #6
– Saturday, Oct. 24, 10-11:30 a.m.
at Franklin Neighborhood Center, 1136 E. Montecito St.
Parks and Recreation Master Plan Virtual Workshop – Wednesday, Oct. 21, 5:30-7 p.m.
Register for Zoom webinar here.
Learn more about the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and take the survey at Parks and Recreation Master at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/PRMP.