Ortega Park — Santa Barbara
Ortega Park is the heart of the East Side.
With lots of grass and various recreational opportunities, it is visited by people in and out of the neighborhood. However, when you think of Ortega Park, it is impossible to picture it without the murals decorating the area. Local and international artists and neighborhood youth have added these murals to this park for over 50 years. They tell the story of the deeply rooted Chumash, Chicano and indigenous peoples of the area, including a, peek into important mythology and culture.
Along with the shallow pool, basketball court, and softball field, a playground is suitable for varying levels. The playground has three slides (one sidewinder, one straight and one bottomless/side ess). In addition, there are steps, rope bridges, lots of opportunities for climbing, a short rock wall, a gymnastics bar, and resting hammocks. Near the play structure is a swing set with standard swings only. While the flooring around the playground is sand, directly under the play structure and swing set is the soft rubber. The two types are not level, so watch your step, especially when pushing on the swings.
Opposite the playground is a small stage that hosts occasional community events. There is no parking lot, but street parking is very accessible.
Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation plans to remodel this park to improve the facilities. They plan to add a splash pad, a skate park, and a community plaza. However, construction has been delayed as the new plans did not include preserving the murals that are so important to the community.
