Acquired in 1925, the 10.5 acre Dwight Murphy Field is used primarily for softball as well as serves as the City's only dedicated soccer facility. Other amenities at Dwight Murphy Field include bleachers, lighted fields, a playground, parking lot, picnic tables, and restroom. The playground at Dwight Murphy Field has two play structures (for big and little kids), swings, and a high metal wave for rock climbing. The park is across the street from the Santa Barbara Zoo.
- Features: Allowed With Permit, Parking On Site, Picnic Site, Playground, Restrooms, Sports Fields
- Dog Policy: Dogs Allowed On Leash
One of the unique features of Dwight Murphy Field is that it has the largest collection of calisthenics equipment in Santa Barbara. It has a fairly good selection of exercise stations and many people come to work out there. This outdoor fitness area is located at the southern edge of the park.
Portable Barbecues
Portable barbecues and camp stoves that are self-contained, enclosed with a lid, and raised at least six inches off a surface may be used on any permanent picnic tables at this park or by permit such as a rental or special event. If there are no permanent picnic tables available at this park and it is not a permitted event then no barbecues are allowed at this park. Barbecue users must remove hot coals and ash from the park, unless a hot coal-disposal receptacle is provided.
Future Plans
The proposed master planning of Dwight Murphy Field will optimize the use of sports field space, develop a concept plan for a fully accessible playground, and redesign the restroom and defunct shower and concessionaire facilities. To maximizing use of the sports fields a plan is under consideration to replace the natural turf with artificial turf. New picnic facilities, landscape renovation, replacement of the adult fitness equipment, and improved park entries are also envisioned as part of the Dwight Murphy Field master plan development.
