These parks are located throughout Isla Vista, and their purpose is to serve residents that live in the surrounding neighborhoods. Each park is under 3 acres in size. They do not have restrooms or playfields and are intended for passive recreational use, meaning you can run and play on them, but not hold large events there.

Children's Park - All of our parks are for the children. Built in an area of Isla Vista densely populated with families, Children's Park contains sandy play areas, with a large collection of sturdy play equipment and benches.

Tierra de Fortuna Park & Kids' Trail - This park contains an assorted collection of play equipment, benches, a water fountain, a gazebo and picnic tables. Leading off of the Park, Kids' Trail affords direct beach access to west-end residents as well as to the children and staff of Isla Vista Elementary School. Tierra de Fortuna Park and Kids' Trail connect to a large tract of undeveloped county-owned land that surrounds the elementary school on two sides, with a network of natural trails and vernal pools.

Pardall Gardens - Located on Pardall, the most heavily traveled pedestrian and bicycle route to UCSB, this tiny park is surrounded by restaurants and businesses. A small oasis in the busy world, the park contains picnic tables and a grassy area with trees.

Sueño Park - This park was upgraded in 2002 and was funded by the 2000 Parks Water Bond Act in conjunction with the Park District.  The playground equipment and the picnic tables were made with recycled materials and are accessible to mobility-impaired children.    

Trigo-Pasado Park - This park was upgraded with money from the 2000 Bond Act – Per Capita Block Grant, and is located at 6633 Pasado.

The 11’ climbing boulder was designed by Entre Prises.  It is the only outdoor boulder Entre Prises has designed in California.  The boulder is molded to accommodate children and adults to promote family-oriented recreation.  As toddlers, children are taken to the parks by their parents, and as they get older, they go by themselves.  When they get too old to play on regular playground equipment, they still go to the parks looking for something to do.  The climbing boulder offers an opportunity for parents to return to the park with their children regardless of their ages, and recreate with them.  In addition, the boulder offers pure physical enjoyment and a challenge not found in other sports.

In addition to the 11’ climbing boulder, there are decorative boulders, native plants and trees to give the feeling of being in a natural rock climbing environment.  The picnic table and water fountain encourages participants to rest and refresh themselves in between climbing sessions.

Greek Park - Located on Embarcadero del Norte, near the UCSB campus, this small complex contains barbecue pits, a concrete gathering area, picnic tables and basketball courts. Greek Park can be rented out for events by calling the District office at (805)968-2017.

BLUFFTOP PARKS

The purpose of these parks is to provide residents and visitors an opportunity to view the surf and Channel Islands. Marine wildlife, such as birds, dolphins and whales, can be observed from these locations. These parks are each under 3 acres in size. They do not have restrooms or playfields and are intended for passive recreational use.

Pescadero Blufftop - A rough open space which complements the county owned beach-access path and stairway, Pescadero is an excellent vantage point for viewing the ocean.

Rottappel Lot - This narrow open space provides another look at the ocean for residents and passersby. An adjacent county-owned lot broadens the Rottappel view. See the Santa Barbara County's site for more info)

Gaffney Park - The County maintains a large oceanfront park at the end of Camino Corto, called Sea Lookout Park. The District owns the natural open area which forms a transition between the County's park and nearby housing.

Window To The Sea - Located in a densely populated area of Isla Vista, Window to the Sea is a small gem of a park, filled with lush plantings. The park features a two-seater swing on a knoll that overlooks the ocean. Come and enjoy.

MAJOR PARKS

There are four parks located in downtown Isla Vista. Often the site of community events, these parks are the most heavily used in the District. In addition, the community gardens and large play areas on Estero Road enhance quality of life for many Isla Vistans.

Anisq'Oyo' Park - This park was the first community instituted park in Isla Vista. The park was originally constructed by volunteers and was maintained by the District after its formation. Anisq'Oyo' Park includes a handicapped-accessible amphitheater and stage, which are used for live outdoor performances. The amphitheater may be rented by public members to present live music and other events. A public restroom is located in the park. To rent Anisq'Oyo' Park for an event, call the District at (805)968-2017 or e-mail at Gabe Bretado. Be sure to make contact in advance.

Anisq'Oyo' Park features a rustic windmill and a large pond which provides habitat for birds, frogs, turtles and other wildlife. Children's play equipment, picnic tables and benches complete the picture. We have rocking toys, swings, and play structures targeted for Children 6-10 years of age.

Perfect Park - Connected to Anisq'Oyo', this park is located at the south end of the Embarcadero Loop. Maintained trails wind through the South portion of the park, which was designed and landscaped by community members. Perfect Park contains native plants which are endemic to the Isla Vista Mesa, as well as a large, open grassy area with trees and a picnic table.

Little Acorn Park - Located on the South side of the Embarcadero Loop, this lovely park includes benches, grassy areas, a picnic table and a variety of drought tolerant plants. A striking feature of the park is the tall wooden greenhouse structure. A historical piece of old Isla Vista, the District prevented its being torn down in the 70's. It now provides atmosphere and shade.

Estero Park and Community Gardens - Estero Park contains a large sports playfield with soccer goals, ball courts, volleyball and picnic areas. It has a large play area with equipment for children. Public restrooms are located in the park for your convenience. For organized activities which take place at Estero Park, see the RECREATION PROGRAMS section of this brochure.

Isla Vista was once a sprawling ranch. The ranch's original Red Barn, maintained by the District, is set among the Estero Oaks, a mature grove-preserve.

This large complex is the site of our Community Gardens Project. The District offers organic garden space to community members, for a nominal quarterly fee. Gardeners may use their plots to grow vegetables, herbs and flowers for their own use. To be placed on the waiting list for a garden, call the District office at (805)968-2017 or E-mail at Gabe Bretado.