Elings Park is a private, non-profit park with numerous recreation areas and incredible views of the city and ocean. From weddings and special events to sports and recreation, Elings offers a variety of activities guaranteed to create enjoyable days for all. It is said to be the largest privately funded park in America. The park consists of 6 tennis courts, sports fields, 9 miles of trails, playgrounds, wedding/special event venues, landscaped walkways, a BMX track, a radio control car track, and a paragliding & hang gliding training hill. Since its inception in 1965, Elings Park has grown from a 97-acre landfill to a 230-acre recreational open space that serves more than 250,000 visitors each year.

  • Features: Alcohol Allowed With Permit, Biking, Hiking Trail, Parking On Site, Picnic Site, Playground, Popular Event Venue, Reservable Areas, Restrooms, Sports Fields, Tennis Courts, Views
  • Dog Policy: Dogs Allowed On Leash throughout the park. Dogs Allowed Off Leash if you have a paid, annual park membership and restrictions apply.

It is a very busy park. If people aren't bringing their children to a game (or going to a game themselves), then they are driving to the top of the hill to look around or maybe watch a performer in the outdoor amphitheatre. At 230 acres, this park is a little over 50% natural and wild. The park is also centrally located, and near Hendry's Beach and the Douglas Family Preserve.

Dog Friendly

The Elings Park Dog Owners Group membership includes year-round, off-leash dog access to 230 acres of beautiful land and open park space. Members are welcome to explore any part of the park that is not booked for a special event and enjoy complimentary parking on weekends.

History

Originally created as Las Positas Park, and briefly known as Las Positas Friendship Park, the idea for the Elings Park that we know today was first conceived in the 1960s. In 1965 the old City of Santa Barbara landfill was deemed to be full and was subsequently closed. Park founders Jerry Harwin, Michael Pahos , Caesar Uyesaka, and Foster Pratt met at the site of the closed Las Positas dump to consider the possibility of converting the 97 acre parcel to recreational use. After decades of donations and development a grand opening of Las Positas Park was held in 1985. Donations have allowed the park to continue to expand offerings and it now exceeds 230 acres.

Panoramas