Support Elings

Dear Friends,

Santa Barbara’s Elings Park continues to thrive.  It seems that our community can’t get enough of their “Vitamin P” (P is for Park!).

What is Vitamin P?  This potent nutrient provides a host of wonderous properties and no doctor’s prescription is required!  Vitamin P has been scientifically proven to lower depression, fight illness, strengthen hearts, build community and increase oxygen supplies.  Other reputed (but not studied) benefits of Vitamin P include inspiring romance and creativity, with side effects that may include warm laughter, hearty cheers, healthier dogs, and happier children.

Please remember Vitamin P (and Elings Park) does not receive tax funding.  We rely on the generosity of the community to fight many of the “modern scurvies” of our time: computer screens, carpel tunnel syndrome, isolation, poor diets, online shopping, and “Real Housewives.”

Here are some of the highlights from the Elings Park Vitamin P Lab ©:

Recreation

Our new nine-hold disc golf course is a hit!  Come toss a disc and take in the unparalleled views of the ocean, islands, mountains, and park.  It’s a good place to get a big dose of Vitamin P with friends.

We have invested over $200,000 worth of Vitamin P to improve our nine miles of TREK Trails making them more environmentally compatible and easier to access.  We’ve made an infusion of $50,000 worth of Vitamin P into our soccer fields to support our local youth lacrosse, rugby, football, and soccer.

Softball and soccer restrooms have been remodeled and the tennis restrooms have been stripped down to the studs and are currently being rebuilt.  The $75,000 investment in new LED lights at tennis will soon pay for themselves and allows us to extend court playing times.

Culture

Can you think of a better place to perform than Godric Grove or the Elings Park fields?  It seems that opera singers, flamenco dancers, ballet troupes, funk and reggae artists take their performances to new heights surrounded by new and centuries old oaks and flowering California natives.  In addition, Elings Park increases Vitamin P among graduates, wedding couples, local non-profits, educators, and others at celebrations held in shade-covered gathering sites featuring sweeping views of our beautiful city.

Environment

The Elings Park Team continues to be outstanding stewards of our 230 acres site (more than twice the size of Disneyland).  In the last year, we’ve planted over 200 oaks and 4,000 coastal shrubs.  An overall irrigation strategy is under development for the entire park so we can make the most of the latest in water engineering and science. The Cuyama Lamb sheep continue to improve soil conditions and prevent wildfires.  Yes, Vitamin P is sustainable and carbon-neutral.

Animals

Animals love Elings Park (and Vitamin P), too!  Over 141 bird species, plus foxes, bobcats, raccoons, coyotes, skunks, possums, and countless reptiles call Elings Park their home.  Don’t forget the more than 75 canine breeds who take part in our one-of-a-kind EP DOG program (memberships are now on sale for 2023!).

Elings Park is unique to Santa Barbara and our mission is more vital than ever.  A donation to Elings Park in 2022 is an investment in the health of our community and keeps Vitamin P flowing, free, and available to all.

Warmly,

Dean Noble, Executive Director