In 2017, the Trails Council won a City of Santa Barbara competitive bid for the Parma Park Assessment and Sustainable Design Project.
The Parma Park project had two main objectives. The first is to assess current trail conditions in Parma Park to help the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation understand what is needed to create a safe, satisfying, and sustainable trail system. The second objective is to collaborate with City staff to develop a sustainable trail plan. This plan addressed restoring existing trails, identifying trails or segments for relocation, identifying social trails for decommissioning, and proposing new trails.
The trail project was developed in 2017–2018 to assess and improve the existing 5‑mile trail network within 200 acres of Parma Park. This project evaluated organically evolved trails that no longer meet modern standards, are prone to erosion, and cross environmentally sensitive areas. The plan includes a 99‑page Phase 1 Trail Evaluation report and a 120‑page Phase 2 Trail Design & Construction Plan, both supported by extensive fieldwork and GIS analysis. Public workshops were held to gather community input, ensuring that the recommendations foster a safe, sustainable trail system that meets current trail management objectives while protecting natural and cultural resources.
Parma Park Sustainable Trail System Plan, Phase I
Parma Park Assessment Maps