Group picnic reservations now accepted at Goleta City parks

GOLETA, Calif. - The City of Goleta announced Friday that it is now accepting reservations for group BBQ areas.

These areas have been closed to public access for more than a year because of pandemic-related regulations.

The city said it is excited to not only restore the reservation program at Stow Grove Park, but to also add reservation opportunities at its newest park, the Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park.

Effective immediately, the two covered areas at Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park can be reserved for gatherings.

The other four group areas near the field will remain available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Stow Grove Park and Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park are the only city parks that take reservations. The city explained that Girsh Park is a private park and Goleta Beach Park is run by Santa Barbara County.

“As soon as Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park opened, we received numerous requests to reserve the space for family gatherings and birthday parties," said Parks and Recreation Manager JoAnne Plummer. "The Parks and Recreation Commission supported a recommendation, and we are pleased to provide these two covered areas as reservable options for the community leaving four other picnic areas open as first-come, first-served.” 

To reserve a group picnic area, you can visit the City of Goleta picnic webpage www.CityofGoleta.org/GroupPicnic or call City Hall at 805-961-7500.

In order to complete your reservation, you will need to download the 2021 Group Picnic Area Reservation Application and return the completed form. This can be done by email at parkreservations@cityofgoleta.org or by snail mail with payment to: City of Goleta, Group Picnic Area Reservations, 130 Cremona Drive, Suite B, Goleta, CA 93117.

Reservations are for the entire day. You can visit the city's webpage to view current availability. This schedule is updated every Friday.

Also on the webpage are photos of the group picnic areas that can be reserved, Frequently Asked Questions, park rules, and more. If an area is not rented ahead of time, it is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park is located in the heart of Old Town Goleta at 170 S. Kellogg Avenue.

There are two picnic areas available to reserve, both with a maximum capacity of 30 people. The park includes a multi-purpose field, basketball court, handball court, concrete ping-pong table, bocce ball court, pickleball court, perimeter walking path, fitness nodes with exercise equipment, picnic areas and skateboard plaza. 

Stow Grove Park, located on La Patera Lane, is one of the City's most historically rich parks. 

There are three picnic areas available to reserve, with maximum capacity ranging from 50 to 100 people. Stow Grove is filled with stunning redwood groves, native plants, and sycamore, oak, and eucalyptus trees. Park amenities include a softball field, two volleyball courts, horseshoes, open lawn and playground, restrooms, BBQ grills, benches, and picnic tables.