Parks and Recreation Commission - October 28, 2026

The City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Commission’s regular meeting on October 28, 2026, included a presentation on a proposed park improvement and cultural interpretation project at Ambassador Park, along with a request to rename it Shuton Park. The project, developed with Chumash community input, includes paths, gathering space, interpretive elements, habitat planting, lawn areas, and stormwater features. The commission voted to recommend support for the park name change. Staff said the project’s formal cost estimate was still in progress; anticipated funding included up to $750,000 from the State Coastal Conservancy and a $500,000 City CIP matching-funds request, with a preliminary overall estimate of about $1.5 million. Construction is hoped to begin in 2028, subject to planning, environmental review, and funding. No bid, contract award, or vendor selection was reported.

The commission also approved removal of an American sweet gum at 3702 Barcelona Drive, contingent on planting a replacement tree, and approved removal of an African fern pine at 306 Leera Street, conditioned on planting a designated street tree. The commission considered a request to remove two of four Buna Buna trees, but the transcript does not clearly capture the final action. During general comment, speakers urged the commission to extend the Santa Barbara Trapeze Company’s park lease/license; no action was taken because the matter was not on the agenda. No other procurement activity was identified.