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Title

Ortega Park Revitalization Project

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Contact

Justin Van Mullem
Capital Projects Supervisor
(805) 897-1972
JVanMullem@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

Project Location

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Established in 1930, Ortega Park has long served as a cultural and social hub for Santa Barbara’s Eastside neighborhood. In June of 2018, after ongoing community requests to see the park revitalized for local families, the City of Santa Barbara began outreach to understand the community’s vision for the future of Ortega Park.

The revitalization plan for Ortega Park was developed in partnership with over 500 community members through over 20 public meetings to identify priorities for the future park, including public art, improved aquatics facilities, dedicated community gathering areas, a revitalized play space, an improved basketball court, a skate/multi-wheel park, and a sports field that could be used year-round. The project will also enhance access and parking along Ortega and Salsipuedes Streets.  The renewal of Ortega Park aims to provide safe and beautiful facilities while honoring and maintaining the rich history and vibrant culture of the Eastside neighborhood.

Funding for the project to date includes $1,390,000 in City funds and $146,690 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.  The City is actively seeking grant funds to support project construction costs of $20 million. 

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Project Timeline (Pending Funding)

1
June 2018 - September 2021

Community outreach and plan development.

2
September 2021

Project approval at Planning Commission.

3
January 2022 - June 2023

Project design finalized.

4
July 2023 - December 2024

Construction documents finalized, building permits obtained.

5
February 2025 - March 2025

Project bidding and construction contract awarded.

6
March 2025 - April 2025

Murals removed, stored safely before relocation in the park.

7
April 2025 - May 2026

Project construction and reinstallation of murals.

8
June 2026

Ortega Park reopens!

Planned Renovations

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Past Meetings and Events

June 2, 2018 – Community Event: Master Plan Planning Workshop 
July 12, 2018 – Community Event: Master Plan Planning Workshop
August 22, 2018 – Public Hearing: Parks and Recreation Commission and Neighborhood Advisory Council review Draft Master Plan 
August 29, 2018 – Community Event: Master Plan Review Workshop
September 24, 2018 – Public Hearing: Architectural Board of Review reviews Master Plan
October 22, 2018 – Public Hearing: Architectural Board of Review reviews Master Plan 
November 8, 2018 – Community Event: Murals and Gathering Space Workshop 
November 14, 2018 – Public Hearing: Parks and Recreation Commission approves Draft Master Plan to move onto design phase.
January 8, 2019 – Public Hearing: City Council approves Master Plan and initiates Preliminary Design
May 11, 2019 – Community Event: Skate Park Workshop
August 22, 2019 – Community Event: Planning Workshop
September 9, 2019 – Public Hearing: Architectural Board of Review reviews Master Plan
March 5, 2020 – Community Event: Skate Park Workshop 
May 4, 2020 – Public Hearing: Architectural Board of Review reviews Master Plan
September 23, 2020 – Public Hearing: Parks and Recreation Commission approves Preliminary Design
November 12, 2020 – Community Event: Project Update and Murals
December 17, 2020 – Public Hearing: Arts Advisory Committee reviews Mural Plan
February 4, 2021 – Public Hearing: Historic Landmarks Commission reviews Mural Evaluation Report
March 17, 2021 – Community Event: Murals Workshop
April 24, 2021 – Community Event: Murals Workshop
June 8, 2021 – Public Hearing: City Council affirms project and murals plan
June 24, 2021 – Community Event: Murals Workshop 
September 16, 2021 – Public Hearing: Planning Commission approves Master Plan
April 29, 2022 – Community Event: Murals Workshop
June 8, 2022 – Community Event: Pool Design Workshop
June 27, 2022 – Community Event: All-Wheel Park Stakeholder Meeting
July 28, 2022 – Community Event: Murals Workshop
October 20, 2022Public Hearing: Arts Advisory Committee reviews Mural Implementation Plan
November 12, 2022 – Community Event: Project Update
March 7, 2023 – Community Event: Mural Documentation Update
March 20, 2023 – Public Hearing: Architectural Board of Review provides Project Design Approval
May 15, 2023 – Public Hearing: Architectural Board of Review provides In-Progress Review