Goleta Opens New Athletic Field

Multipurpose field after renovations (courtesy photo)

By edhat staff

Goleta city officials cut the ribbon for the grand opening of a new athletic field on Wednesday afternoon.

The renovated multi-purpose athletic field is located behind the Goleta Valley Community Center and adjacent to the Boys & Girls Club at 5679 Hollister Avenue. The one-acre site includes new natural grass turf with gopher mesh for the field, new irrigation, a walking perimeter path, and a fitness station.   

City of Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte 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 gather.”

The City broke ground on the project on June 19, 2019, and City of Goleta Parks & Recreation Manager JoAnne Plummer was amazed at the before and after photos. She said, “The field was in need of renovation mainly due to the gophers making it a popular hangout spot. The City went in and took the field back for the community’s use.”

Funding for the project was provided by a combination of a Housing Related Parks Program grant worth just over $250,000 from the State of California’s Department of Housing and Community Development, and nearly $250,000 in City funds.