Who We AreParks & Recreation

The City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department proudly offers a wide range of parks, facilities, and programs designed to serve the needs of the community. The staff of Parks and Recreation is dedicated to providing the best possible activities and facilities for your enjoyment.

In a continuous effort to improve our services, we encourage you to contact us with questions, comments, and concerns. Our website is a work-in-progress as our programs and services expand throughout the year. Check in often!

Mission Statement

The mission and purpose of the Department is:

• to provide clean and safe parks, beaches and recreation facilities.
• to enhance Santa Barbara's beauty.
• to promote stewardship of resources.
• to provide quality recreation and cultural experiences and community services to benefit the quality of life for Santa Barbara residents.

Code of Conduct

The benefits of Parks and Recreation programs are numerous - enhancing health and building strong families and healthy communities. To insure the quality of programs and public safety, we ask all program participants, staff, parents, spectators, coaches, and volunteers, to abide by this Code of Conduct:

• All persons shall act with respect towards other persons, respect their privacy and personal safety.
• Physical or verbal abuse of any kind will not be tolerated.
• All persons shall treat public and private property and equipment with respect.
• Program rules and regulations shall be observed at all times.

Right to Leisure

The pursuit of leisure is a condition necessary for human dignity and well being. Leisure is a part of a healthy lifestyle and a productive life. Every individual is entitled to the opportunity to express unique interest and pursue, develop and improve talents and abilities. People are entitled to opportunities and services in the most inclusive setting. The right to choose from a full array of recreation opportunities offered in diverse settings and environments and requiring different levels of competency should be provided.(National Therapeutic Recreation Society statement on inclusion)

Accessibility

The Parks and Recreation Department is committed to supporting the Americans With Disabilities Act to provide reasonable services and opportunities for those with special challenges and needs. If you require special accommodations for participation in our programs or in the use of our facilities, please call 564-5421.

Refund Policies

Facility Refund Policy
A 100% refund of reservation fees will be given if rain causes the cancellation of an outdoor facility use and notification is received within five working days. All other cancellations of indoor or outdoor facility use must be made at least 30 working days prior to the use date. Reservation fees and application fees are non-refundable.

A portion of facility use fees may be refundable (check each facility’s policy). Security and key deposits will be refunded in full if conditions for refund are met.

Activity Refund Policy
A 100% refund will be given for activities cancelled by the Parks and Recreation Department. Refund requests made prior to the start of an activity will be granted without explanation, and will be subject to a 10% service charge. Refund requests made during the course of an activity will be prorated and then subject to a 10% service charge.

Program Satisfaction Guarantee

If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with a Recreation activity, we will refund your money in full (or give you credit toward a future program) if you make your request before the third meeting of the activity. This does not apply to facility rentals (see above), adult sports leagues, the Santa Barbara Golf Club, or the Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show. For service, call 564-5418.

Financial Assistance

A limited amount of financial assistance is available for select youth and teen activities, on a first-come, first-served basis. For information about financial assistance for youth, call 564-5495; for teen activities, call 897-2650.

4 Easy Ways to Register for Activities

Please note the registration deadline indicated in the program descriptions listed in the Activity Guide or in eRecreation. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure accurate registration, be sure to include appropriate code # when registering.

1. Online using eRecreation. Instructions are easily accessed at this site. Please note that not all activities are included in this Internet service.
2. By Mail: You can register for many programs by mail. The Activity Guide has an easy-to-use enrollment form which can be downloaded from the pdf file of the guide on this Web site or you may pick up a current guide at 620 Laguna Street or 100 East Carrillo Street.
3. In Person: Stop by the Recreation Administration Office at 620 Laguna Street Our friendly customer service staff is on hand Monday through Thursday, 8am-6pm, Friday, 8am-5pm (closed on alternate Fridays; all other Parks & Recreation offices are open.
4. At the first class: You can register for some classes at the first class session. Check class descriptions for specific registration information.

Privacy Policy for City Web Sites

See our City Internet Web Site Privacy Policy.