Santa Barbara Westside Neighborhood Receives New Park

As you exit the Little Corner Store at Ortega and Bath streets you can’t help but look across the street at a beautiful new park that adorns the high-density neighborhood in Santa Barbara’s west side.

After the first concept for the park was proposed in the late 1990s, Bath Street Pocket Park has become a reality thanks to $250,000 from the City of Santa Barbara’s former Redevelopment Agency Bond funds.

The park was a collaborative effort between the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department and neighborhood residents who wanted a safe play space for young children and families.

“Santa Barbara has a long history of providing parks to support community health and well-being, foster recreation and enhance the lives of city residents,” said Jill Zachary, Assistant Parks and Recreation Department Director.

The park sits on a 2,700 square foot plot of land that used to be occupied by a few small cottages until ’eminent domain’ allowed the City to acquire the properties, and widen the creek below. That widening project was aimed at preventing flooding, and allowed for better water flow during heavy rains.

Bath Street Pocket Park includes a small playground suitable for children two to five years old, lighting, fencing, and native landscaping. It also includes site amenities like benches and permeable paving to reduce creek pollution.

Slideshow: Bath Street Pocket Park Opens in Santa Barbara Westside